The continuing COVID-19 restrictions impact small businesses - especially restaurants - and shows there are two sides to meeting every challenge.
David Wang, who runs Sushi Han at Blundell Centre says that when the pandemic forced a lockdown and short-term closure of many businesses in the spring of 2020, he decided to return to the company’s roots and operate as a strictly take-out restaurant for the time being.
“Sushi Han was originally known as Sushi Han Takeout when it first opened,” says Wang, who took over the business, located adjacent to the Bank of Montreal, from the original owner who retired about three years ago.
“We wanted to protect our customers and staff, so we decided to offer take out only, no dine-in. And we have been delighted to see the response and support from customers over the past year.”
While overall revenue has dropped without the dine-in option, the take-out-only trade has grown significantly as Sushi Han offers customers pick-up at the restaurant and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats.
The restaurant also added another day of operation and is now open seven days a week, after eliminating its regular Sunday closing.
“We had to re-design our website so people could order from the take-out menu, and we have been pleased to that we are not only being supported by our current customers, but several new ones too,” Wang says.
“And while it’s hard for a small business like ours not to have a day off, Sundays have now become one of our busiest days of the week.”
In response to that customer support, Wang and his staff wanted to give back to the community by providing food donations to Richmond Hospital staff who are on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We wanted to thank them for all of the hard work they are doing,” Wang adds.
To encourage customers to continue ordering take-out, Sushi Han is extending its 10% discount (for orders of more than $25) for online pick-up until Mother’s Day (May 9), and perhaps even longer.
“We wanted to express our gratitude to everyone who is supporting us by ordering take-out,” Wang says.
For more information about Sushi Han and it’s take-out menu and service, visit online at sushihan.ca, or call 604-271-1117.
