COVID-19 has profoundly impacted Australia’s hospitality industry. Many have closed their doors following the government-imposed shutdown of restaurants on March 23, 2020. For Jason Chang, co-founder and CEO of Calia, a gourmet retail store/restaurant that gives customers the ability to replicate Asian culinary cuisine in the luxury of their homes, the business has been forced to pivot offering takeaway, selling groceries, alcohol and holding online events to keep their customers.
Jason Chang is the son of Chinese immigrants, who learned about business from accompanying his parents to Melbourne markets while growing up. He shared with DAWNCast why the business is hanging on.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:38 Calia during Covid-19
02:57 Small businesses in Melbourne
04:21 Specialties of Calia
06:18 Perception of Asian gourmet cuisine
08:52 Advice for aspiring restaurateurs
11:09 Launching in Jakarta
12:38 Jason's backstory
14:53 Looking for a better life: The Australian Dream
16:22 Conquering rejections and emerging successful
18:11 Building resilience with the help of his wife and his mother
20:24 Value of mentors and learning from failure
26:07 Thinking positively and helping the community
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