I Dropped Out of College at 19 With No Future in Mind, But Hong Kong Forced Me to Mature Quickly

At 19, I found myself without a college degree and with just a year left on my visa, uncertain of what the future held. The only viable option to remain in Hong Kong seemed to be starting my own venture.

Despite lacking experience in managing a team, securing funds, or operating a kitchen, I couldn't bear the thought of leaving the city that had finally felt like a place I belonged. So, I committed to a four-year lease for a restaurant.

Originating from Portland, Oregon, my family relocated to a small, isolating Japanese town when I was 12. Three years later, we moved to Hong Kong, a lively and bustling city where I felt at ease for the first time.

Abandoning College

Post-high school, I returned to the U.S. for higher education, enrolling in Portland State's psychology program. Yet, the dreary journey to campus only deepened my longing for Hong Kong.

After a single semester, I visited Hong Kong during the Christmas break and concluded that neither the U.S. nor academia suited me.

My mother presented me with two choices: pay rent or work 30 hours weekly, a decision that quickly unfolded as a lesson since paying rent was out of reach without employment.

Opting to work, I joined Casa, a tapas restaurant in the relaxed beachside locale of Sai Kung, merely an hour away from central Hong Kong. Starting in entry-level roles, I was managing the bar within six months—a fast-track education in hospitality that helped dismantle my social unease and boosted my confidence.

Barely a year in, my mom's departure from Hong Kong meant my dependent visa would expire in a year, compelling me to secure one independently.

Seizing a Business Opportunity

While my initial plan was to launch a small café, I instead pooled my college savings and attracted investors with the help of Courtney Horwood, my former manager at Casa. We launched Momentai, a dining spot seating 100 along the waterfront.

My mother's words were clear: "You have one opportunity—don't anticipate help if it falls through." This sparked a newfound determination.

The Pandemic and Its Surprising Impact

During the COVID-19 crisis, Momentai thrived as Sai Kung transformed into a favored weekend spot with travel bans in place, filling the restaurant for a solid two years. However, expanding to 200 seats diluted the intimacy and authenticity I longed for.

In response, I unveiled Graceland in 2021—situated in a dynamic district of Hong Kong bustling with street life. Offering Southern-inspired culinary delights in a retro Americana setting, it became known as a cozy dive bar with outstanding food.

It was at Momentai where I met my wife, Ellen, during its heyday. Originally from Baltimore, Ellen had mostly lived in Hong Kong and became the face of Graceland. Our relationship blossomed just before Momentai’s closure, making her involvement in Graceland feel seamless.

While I’m largely the unseen force, Ellen is the recognizable presence our guests love.

Staying Involved in the Business

To those yearning to carve their niche in business, my counsel is to actively engage in problem-solving as it emerges and to remain true to your vision. Stepping back from social media has enriched my creative process, free from the distractions of external influences.

I've adopted a balanced lifestyle, shifting focus to healthier routines and proper rest. Significant weight loss over the past few months has fueled both my consistency and inventiveness.

Beyond my business, rescuing animals with my partner is my solace—we care for ten pets. Occasionally, I play the Chapman Stick and enjoy PC gaming as a low-energy social outlet.

We foresee remaining in Hong Kong indefinitely, having cultivated strong roots here. Should we start a family, this bustling city would be our choice of upbringing.