Today we’d like to introduce you to Lamson Nguyen.
Lamson, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story has been full of uphill challenges, lessons and joyful celebration along the way but the journey has been amazing. I am an alumnus of the California State University of Fullerton with a degree in Entertainment and Hospitality Management. I was heavily involved with many campus organizations, and through networking, it led me to my first taste of the entertainment industry with CBS radio, JackFM, and AMP Radio. This experience taught me how to connect and engage with people while simultaneously working hard and having fun.
After graduation, I began the first big boy career position as a Project Manager specializing in signage and construction. I learned valuable lessons on planning and execution. Even though I was thriving in the corporate world, the 9 to 5 lifestyle just wasn’t for me. I had a change of heart and decided to take a leap of faith and became an entrepreneur. Putting together my skills sets I decided to embark the journey of starting a restaurant.
With no restaurant experience prior, Shabu Shabu was the perfect concept. It’s fun, healthy, interactive and does not require a highly qualified chef because the guest are the chefs!
Santa Ana took a gamble on a young entrepreneur, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity. I currently serve as a board director for Downtown Inc and help facilitate the enhancement of Downtown Santa Ana as a vibrant shopping, entertainment, business and cultural destination for all. We are an emerging city full of developments on the way.
With the future ahead, We’re not stopping at one location. The goal is to becoming a national brand and a leader in our industry. We’re just getting started to be on the watch!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a newbie entrepreneur has its challenges, but opening this store was on a whole other level! Everything that could go wrong, definitely went wrong. I struggled with long days, longer nights, empty bank accounts, and failed partnerships all before even opening for business.
After three years of design, R&D, enduring red tape, permitting, city meetings, endless historical reviews (our building was built in 1912!), setbacks, and construction, we persevered and opened our doors in 2016. WE DID IT! It was a rough journey, but my work ethic is so strong thanks to all of the challenges.
Please tell us about Kaizen Shabu.
Kaizen Shabu is a specialty Shabu Shabu restaurant and bar located in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana, CA. “Kaizen” is a Japanese business philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices and personal efficiency. We are always striving for the betterment of our store and within ourselves as reflected in our motto:“Be Better Than You Were Yesterday.”
Our concept allows guests to be the chefs. You cook at your own pace in a boiling pot of broth by submerging and swishing meats and veggies to your liking then dipping in our signature house-made sauces. Eat it with your rice and enjoy our assortment of sake and Japanese whiskys.
I am most proud of our team and the culture we have created. Everyone works hard, empowers each other, all while keeping things light and fun. Not only is our food amazing, the personality and charm that comes with the experience sets us apart. Have you ever been iced while at a restaurant before? Maybe you should come by and find out.
We strive to keep it fun and leave you with a lasting impression.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
A guilty (but not that guilty) pleasure of mine is Pokemon. Even today, Pokemon is life. I used to collect and play the trading card game professionally.
And by “professionally” I mean my parents dropped at different “gyms” (local malls) every weekend so I can whoop everyone’s butts. Don’t the player, hate the game. I know… I’m SUPER cool.
Contact Info:
- Address: 303 N. Spurgeon St. Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Website: www.kaizenshabu.com
- Phone: 7144863464
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/kaizenshabu/
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/kaizenshabu
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/
biz/kaizen-shabu-santa-ana? osq=kaizen
Image Credit:
@dianesaurus, @occomestibles, @foodwithseoul, @hungryoc
Getting in touch: VoyageLA 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.
