Lindsay Jang is munching on a bowl of grapes while attending a virtual meeting for her many businesses. From the get-go, her straight-to-the-point personality is clear, ever in control, a little stern upon first acquaintance yet welcoming, and certainly far from boring, as evidenced by the vintage Playboy magazine covers she has chosen to plaster on one wall and another batch of permanent artworks displayed on her own skin.

Just a stone’s throw from the iconic harbour, both in her naturally well-lit flat in Chai Wan and her culinary locales in Sheung Wan, she has established herself as a formidable force in Hong Kong’s dining and wellness scene. As the co-founder of Yardbird and then Ronin, this very serious-looking yet very creative mum of two has become synonymous with quality, originality and community. What began with a single yakitori restaurant in 2011 blossomed into a diverse portfolio of acclaimed food and beverage venues (the likes of Roti Tori and Sunday’s Grocery, sadly now closed), as well as ventures that transcend culinary confines.

“Would I advise anyone to enter the F&B business? Definitely no,” she admits with just a glimpse of a mindful smile. “I mean, it’s hard, it’s really hard. You have to be more than 100% committed to it regardless of the result favouring your side, especially during the current landscape of the post-pandemic era.”

Culinary Cool

Jang’s journey into the restaurant industry is anything but conventional. Though her family had a Cantonese restaurant, her youth in Canada was marked by exploration – including a love of theatre – and she envisioned her future in the bright lights of New York City. “Acting and theatre training were just a part of my evolution as a young adult; I was exploring different interests,” she reflects. “It was my passion for creating experiences and bringing people together that naturally led me to the restaurant industry.” This passion has become the cornerstone of her entrepreneurial endeavours, reflecting an ethos of connection and hospitality.

The vibrant atmosphere at Yardbird, her first venue, mirrors this ambition and has become a haven for comfort-food lovers. Celebrated not only for its innovative take on yakitori but also for its sense of community, Yardbird has laid the groundwork for Jang’s impressive legacy.

Welcome Mat

In 2017, she opened a creative agency, Hecho, to produce original content and marketing strategies for brands. Her on-trend vision then broadened to include wellness, with the 2021 launch of Family Form, a mat-based body-sculpting fitness programme designed in partnership with The Upper House.

“Fitness has always been central to my life, not just as a discipline but as a source of joy and inspiration,” says the long-time yogi. Her concept of wellness – physical rigour plus mental balance, which she has called “fully immersive moving meditation” – revolves around collective experiences and the joy found in shared endeavours. It has grown to include international fitness pop-ups and Family Form salads and smoothies. This all-embracing philosophy is also used to nurture her teams, fostering environments that encourage collaboration, much like the dynamics of a well-run restaurant.

In her venues, Jang places immense value on team dynamics, viewing them as foundational to any business’s success. “Building a strong team is about fostering trust, loyalty and collaboration,” she explains. Many key staff members have been with her for more than a decade, a testament to her leadership style. Recognising each voice within her team ensures that everyone feels valued and committed to collective success. “It’s not a top-down hierarchy; open communication is encouraged,” she elaborates.

Mother Load

Juggling the demands of a successful career and motherhood, Jang emphasises the importance of time management. “I’ve developed strong time-management skills. Delegation is key for me,” she shares. By cultivating a trusted team and encouraging open communication, she fosters a collaborative environment that fuels both personal and professional growth. This respect for her team creates a harmonious atmosphere that enhances the dining experience, demonstrating that the true heart of hospitality lies in the people behind the scenes.

This approach is vital for her personally, allowing her to maintain a semblance of balance amid the chaos of running multiple businesses and raising two children. “Actually, my eldest child works part-time for my restaurant. They’ve both grown up so fast, but this is a good thing as it allows me to focus more on my businesses,” she confesses.

Healthy Working

In between poses for our photographer, the ever-committed businesswoman pauses to answer another business call. Like any entrepreneur, Jang has faced her share of challenges. Yet, her focus remains steadfast: “Instead of focusing on the super highs or getting caught up in the super lows, it’s about delivering a consistently great product.” This determination underpins her business ethos, allowing her to navigate the industry’s uncertainties.

As she looks toward the future, thoughtful expansion is key. Through cutting-edge projects like Dué – a collaboration with friend and chef Jesús Durón, which is looking to land in London and touring other cool international cities – Jang is excited to explore new culinary landscapes. “Expansion is always on the horizon. It’s about finding places where our concepts will resonate and thrive,” she says.

The entrepreneurial journey has not only shaped Jang’s professional endeavours but has also driven her personal transformation. Her evolving wellness philosophy now embraces sobriety. “Giving up alcohol has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally,” she notes. It grants her new-found clarity and enhances her ability to connect meaningfully with those around her, including her teams and customers.

Recognising the cultural nuances of dining, she states, “All of the restaurants we’ve had over the years come from a place of personal experience.” For her, it’s about creating spaces that evolve naturally from authentic experiences rather than chasing awards or accolades.

Inspiring Perspectives

As industry trends shift, she observes, “People want to feel good in any experience they choose to spend their money on.” In a world where wellness and lifestyle intersect with culinary experiences, her holistic approach ensures that each of her venues offers comfort and joy to patrons, inviting them back time and again. Full circle or an imagined conversation? Both, perhaps.

Above all, Lindsay Jang embodies the spirit of exploration, resilience and community. Her journey, marked by creativity, collaboration and a commitment to quality, highlights the potential within the F&B landscape of Hong Kong and beyond. As she embraces future challenges, her unwavering focus on connection will undoubtedly continue to resonate with those she inspires.