Golden Gate Restaurant Ltd

Description:

“Destiny is, no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice: It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved”. “I came to Jamaica in 1982 at the request of my uncle who wanted me to help at the infamous Fah Mee Restaurant on Half Way Tree Road. My tasks included the washing up of dishes, cutting up of meats, vegetables and the seasoning of the various Chinese style meats. I never knew one single word in English. At the time, perhaps this was a good thing, because since I could not communicate with my Jamaican coworkers, I communicated with my hands, by outmanoeuvring and outpacing them in the kitchen. As the years passed, I began to catch a few English words. My uncle later decided that it was time for me to be formally enrolled in English classes, and so he sent me to evening school in Kingston to learn English.

After five years, I had earned enough money to buy myself a small van, and so in 1987 I began traversing the 14 parishes of Jamaica, where I just sold a nything that could be traded, including batteries, hair products and haberdasheries”.

It was in this journey that I met some very interesting persons who were my customers and later became some of my dearest friends, including Keith Lyn, Patrick Lyn (now deceased) and Paul Lyn who operated Samfo Supermarket in Spalding. In 1992 I had saved enough money to rent a small shop on Princess Street, downtown Kingston, which was called Bargain Wholesale. The business was very successful, and needed expansion, hence in 1997 my family joined me from China and we rented a bigger shop so that we could expand the business and create additional employment. My brother Peter Wong, sisters Joyce and Theresa helped me greatly to make the business a success for which I am grateful. Grace Kennedy Company Limited, especially Mr. Erwin Burton, assisted us by offering us extended credit terms and limits, which allowed us to expand and perhaps explained the success achieved at the venture.

In 19 99, my brother Peter and I were invited to look at a location at Northside Plaza in Liguanea, St. Andrew for the possible opening of a Chinese restaurant. The first few years of business were very challenging as we had no customer base and no goodwill. With hard work and perseverance, our customer base began to grow. Our loyal customers, many of whom still patronise us today have withstood with us the hands of time. To them all I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation for their continued support.

I also want to thank Julie Wong, who has been interacting with the customers over the last 8 years. Her dedication, support, superb customer service skills, ideas and creativity have not escaped my attention. Thanks to our Chinese chefs for doing an excellent job.