Summary:
Recorded on April 22, 2021 – We speak with serial entrepreneur and chef Katy Chan who shares with us how she bridged her passion for food and love of design to create a life that allows her to value her profession as a restauranteur.
Time Stamps:
- Intro – 0:04
- Covid – 1:18
- Business – 9:28
- Personal – 30:57
- City – 43:42
- Quick Fire – 55:22
- Conclusion – 56:40
- End – 59:17
Show Description:
Known as a serial entrepreneur, Katy (alongside her partner Niki) is the co-owner of Café Neon and Bar Neon and responsible for all aspects of the food and bakery side of the businesses.
It took Katy some time to figure out that food can be both her passion and her profession. She believes that the food industry isn’t respected as a profession. There is a white space between fast food and high end eating that needs more professionalism and pride.
“Restaurant workers, that’s a real job!” and her mission is to “get my peoples salaries up”, she says.
Katy considers hanging on during Covid as one of her biggest achievements. Not only did the Neon group hang on but they’ve set themselves up for success once things begin to open and they are able to welcome their customers back.
With a love for eating and food research, Katy also enjoys reading chef biographies and draws inspiration from the stories she reads. A fan of Adeline Grattard, she loves how she moves around the world and follows her heart.
Katy appreciates what Food Dudes are doing in the city, combining storefront and high quality catering. She also loves Gjusta in Venice Beach, LA. When you walk in you see the bustling production area, bread baking, catering, prepared foods and a grocery store all under one roof.
Working creatively within food and design are areas that came together over time for Katy. A few years ago she attended Stratford Chef School. It was both a well needed break from the day-to-day hustle and an opportunity to raise her game in the kitchen and lead her team more confidently.
Her tenacity and work ethic comes from her parents. From her father, “never lie to people and buy good shoes,” and from her mother, she learned hard work and to stick to your decisions and see it through to the end.
She loves Kensington Market, “It’s a multi-sensory experience, and very unstructured, you’re walking through it, and the randomness and chaos is really attractive.”
Katy feels that one of the biggest obstacles in the city is the bureaucracy. Departments do not communicate with one another and everything takes longer. Navigating the system is a challenge without help. It holds back the ability to do interesting things in the city.
Katy loves Propeller roasters and would visit, as she composes herself before she starts her day. Another spot worth a mention is Sovereign coffee. Her message to those listening is to support local businesses in any way you can. You can make a difference!
Follow on Instagram –
IG: @cafe_neon, @bar_neon, @neon_breadandwine
Other links shared:
Charities: Sistering Women’s Shelter – www.sistering.org
Parkdale Community Food Bank – www.pcfb.ca
