Seven Years in the Making: Passion vs Practicality in F&B

In EP3, we dive into the evolution of Hong Kong’s neighborhoods and the long game of launching a dream concept. From testing the waters with pop-ups and navigating post-COVID delays, to the raw realities of rent negotiations and finding the right landlord, Dominic from Roru Baru breaks down what it takes to bring an intimate, counter-focused dining experience to life in Wan Chai.Podcast Chapters00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dominic & the Vision for Roru Baru02:58 – The LA Inspiration: Bringing Counter-Focused Dining to Asia03:47 – Testing the Waters: COVID Delays and the Sleepyhead Pop-Ups06:39 – Location Strategy: Why Wan Chai Beats Central & Causeway Bay07:24 – The Rent Reality: Navigating Landlords and Revenue Share Models08:59 – Neighborhood Nostalgia: The Evolution of Ship Street & QRE11:18 – Is Hong Kong Bouncing Back? Feeling the Post-COVID Energy12:05 – Designing the Vibe: Uncovering a 1960s Granite Stone Wall14:01 – The Power of Partnerships: Shared Vision and Serendipitous Encounters