Today we’d like to introduce you to Mun Wong.
Mun, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I celebrated the 10 year anniversary of my first business by opening my second business – my dream restaurant.
In 2006, my husband started an electronic security business and I started to help him after I graduated from college. We have been growing the company since then. Despite of busy growing the business, I knew it in my heart that’s there’re more than that I want to do. That is spreading veganism.
I always enjoy traveling to LA and San Francisco where there are more vegan restaurants than here in Chicago. It’s a wish for me to have more vegan businesses here and everywhere in the states. Then, I knew what are the things that I want to do from my heart. In 2015, a vegan restaurant in Edgewater where we went often was offering to sell. That’s how we started.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s definitely not a smooth road at all! My accountant who has been working with me for years told me not to do that. She said restaurant was not a good business especially I didn’t have any restaurant/kitchen experience before. She almost fired me. She said she didn’t want to see me fail like her other clients.
And yes, I didn’t have any restaurant experience before (except working as a server for my Summer job during college). The first day of training in the kitchen was a shock to me because I didn’t know that thorough cleaning has to be done every single day. I barely clean my home myself as we have a maid to help us out. That was totally a new experience to me and very challenging, both physically and mentally.
Not only that, I still have to run my primary business during day time. That means, I work from 8:00a.m. to 11:00p.m. every day during the week. Basically, my weekly hours of work is very close to 100.
These are only part of the struggles. However, I love what I am doing! I don’t see them as struggles, but challenges for me to grow and learn.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a 100% vegan restaurant. Our goal is to create a wonderland for vegans and those who like and want to adopt a plant-based diet, to enjoy flavorful and healthy 100% vegan dishes. We aim to make a real difference to people think about being vegans. We want to make it easy for people who wants to be vegan.
Our specialties are Asian-inspired global cuisine. Some of our staple items are – Dolsot Bibimbap (a Korean vegetable rice bowl), Royal Pho (a Vietnamese rice noodles soup), Teriyaki (a Japanese vegan Chicken entrée), Satay Skewers (an Indonesian appetizers), Khauk Swe Thoke (a Burmese noodles salad), Kung Pao Ding (a Chinese stir fry), Khoi Soi (a Thai curry noodles soup), etc.
We are also known for our house made desserts – Chocolate Cake, Carrot Cake, Cheese Cake, Green Tea Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse Pie, Raw Tiramisu, Raw Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse Bar. They are all vegan and you can’t really tell!
The thing that made me most proud of is also the most rewarding thing for me – how our customers enjoy the food and experience with us. That’s why we are here for.
I think one unique thing that set us apart from others is our team – our diversity and culture.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Chicago is so beautiful! There’re so many things I like about it but the most of it is the Lakeshore – a peaceful lake along with a vibrant city.
There’re always pros and cons in everything. I have to say the tax here is insanely high.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5812 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
- Website: aliceandfriendsvegankitchen.com
- Phone: (773) 275-8797
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliceandfriendsvegan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aliceandfriendsvegankitchen
- Other: https://plus.google.com/110305792151038881913
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
