From Tech to Culinary Arts: A Taiwanese Immigrant’s Entrepreneurial Journey in America
Rommie, a small-town boy from Budai, Chiayi in Taiwan, grew up in Taipei. His career initially took off in the tech industry, where he managed factories and spent seven to eight years working in China. However, the fast-paced work life led him to reflect on his priorities, eventually inspiring him to relocate with his family to the United States.
“At the time, I had been working in China for a long time, and my child was just five years old,” Rommie shares. “I wanted to spend more time with my family while also pursuing personal growth. Additionally, some of my company’s clients were in the U.S., so it seemed like a good place for a temporary stay.”
Originally planning only a short break, Rommie admits that his children fell in love with the U.S. and didn’t want to leave. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, one filled with both challenges and opportunities in a foreign land.
Transitioning from Tech to the Culinary World
Having built a career as a seasoned professional in the tech industry, stepping into the restaurant business was an entirely new challenge for Rommie. When asked why he chose this path, he mentioned a pivotal moment: “I came across the Duan Chun Zhen brand and realized they had a very well-developed SOP (Standard Operating Procedure). That made me feel this was a brand worth investing in.”
Rommie elaborated that the brand emphasizes traditional craftsmanship. “For instance, the broth is simmered for eight hours, and no chemical additives are used throughout the process.” These details resonated deeply with his values and admiration for quality. Despite lacking prior experience in the restaurant industry, his years in tech had given him expertise in systematic management and process optimization—skills that proved invaluable in his transition to the culinary field.
Challenges and Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Starting a business, however, was far from easy. Even with a comprehensive SOP in place, adapting to the local market was essential. “While the established processes are helpful, the U.S. market is vastly different from the Asian market,” he acknowledged.
He offered an example: “Take soy sauce, for instance. The saltiness in the U.S. is completely different from what we’re used to in Asia. Even the sugar ratios had to be adjusted. These differences forced us to experiment repeatedly until we developed a new SOP tailored to the American market.”
Despite the numerous challenges, Rommie remains resolute. “Regret is not an option because this is a path where, once you start, you have to see it through.” His determination and resilience reflect his unwavering commitment to entrepreneurship and the pursuit of excellence.
A Passion for Culinary Arts Rooted in His Youth
Rommie’s passion for the restaurant industry is no coincidence—it traces back to cherished memories from his teenage years.
“When I was a student, I often worked at restaurants or cafés during summer and winter breaks,” he fondly recalled, a smile lighting up his face. “The process of making coffee, from grinding beans to adjusting pressure, was filled with intricate details that fascinated me.” His eyes lit up as if reliving those youthful days, proving that his love for the craft has stood the test of time.
The Key to Success: Teamwork and Partnerships
In just a few years, Rommie’s restaurant not only established itself but expanded to three locations. When asked about the secret to his success, he answered without hesitation: “It’s the people.”
“Whether it’s employees or business partners, a good team brings good results,” he explained. “I always treat my employees as partners—we work together and grow together.” This management style fosters camaraderie and breaks down barriers. He chuckled, “Over time, they stop treating me like a boss. They’ll joke around, and we have a relaxed atmosphere, which builds stronger bonds and makes the team more cohesive.”
The Identity of a First-Generation Immigrant and Cultural Adaptation
As a first-generation immigrant, Rommie admits that cultural and linguistic barriers remain his biggest challenges.
“Sometimes I look at my kids’ text messages, and they’re full of abbreviations or slang I can’t understand,” he said with a wry smile.
In the restaurant industry, he faces the additional challenge of navigating cultural differences in food preferences. Traditional dishes like beef noodles and pork chop rice require careful positioning to appeal to the American market.
“Everyone’s taste is different. We can’t satisfy everyone, but we strive to deliver the best quality to attract customers who genuinely appreciate our flavors,” he stated with determination.
Contributions and Aspirations for the Taiwanese Community
Beyond managing his restaurant, Rommie actively participates in local Taiwanese community events. For him, these gatherings are not just about cultural preservation but also about fostering a sense of unity. “The Taiwanese population abroad is getting smaller, so platforms like these are essential for bringing everyone together,” he said.
He shared a memorable trip to Hawaii, where he noticed that most tourists were Japanese, Korean, or from mainland China, while Taiwanese visitors were few and far between. “This made me even more determined to enhance the visibility of Taiwanese people on the international stage through community activities,” he said, his eyes reflecting a strong sense of responsibility.
The Unique Traits and Inner Values of Taiwanese People
When asked about the qualities of Taiwanese people, Rommie chuckled, “I look just like a Taiwanese person.” He added thoughtfully, “Taiwanese people value efficiency and tend to be very straightforward.”
This candid nature is evident in both his work and personal life. His genuine approach fosters strong relationships with his employees, while his sincerity leaves a lasting impression on customers, earning his restaurant an excellent reputation.
Another characteristic of Taiwanese culture that he proudly embraces is a love for baseball. For Rommie, baseball is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. Joining a local baseball team has allowed him to make friends and find an outlet for relaxation amidst the demands of entrepreneurship.
A Fusion of Dreams and Passion
From a small town in Taiwan to corporate life in China, and finally to the entrepreneurial stage in the U.S., Rommie’s journey has been nothing short of an adventure, filled with challenges and rewards. With unwavering passion and attention to detail, he has transformed a simple bowl of beef noodles and pork chop rice into a cross-cultural culinary experience that bridges worlds.
Duan Chun Zhen Noodle House
10118 Bandley Dr Ste H Cupertino, CA 95014
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