With a background in hospitality, Shaun Liew cut his teeth into the F&B industry by way of learning parts of the business in a renowned hotel and hospitality school locally. His professional career saw him start off as a lecturer and then went on to becoming an award-winning barista. However, he possessed an entrepreneurial mindset, which led him to start up his own businesses. Shaun thus established the popular eateries Yellow Brick Road and Wizards at Tribeca, to name but a few of his ventures since. When he’s not busy with work, you will find Shaun cafe hopping, or roaming about with his Sony a6000 or iPhone capturing photos of sights that inspire or move him.
What is your personal favourite food?
I really love Japanese cuisine, and also enjoy Indian food too. There’s just so much flavours and exciting tastes to discover within those two cuisines I personally feel. I’ll definitely never get bored of eating either one of those options and I’m pretty sure alot of people will agree with me.
What would you recommend diners to try our at Yellow Brick Road and Wizards at Tribeca?
If you’re ever at Yellow Brick Road, you need to go for the pancakes - they’re really amazing, and depending on your preference, you can either opt for savoury or sweet. And if you’re at Wizards, do check out the unagi bao, which works well as comfort food or to whet your appetite. It’s just so flavourful and you’d definitely be back for more.
How did your business cope with the MCO?
Well our business was hit hard, because we depended a lot on the dine-in experience. So our volume dropped as we had to then rely on food delivery companies. However, we also initiated personal deliveries, and we’d send out food to our customers who lived nearby our outlets. Then we also had to discuss with our landlords to renegotiate on rental rebates, and thankfully we have an understanding team, and could openly discuss salaries. We just needed to ensure that our operating expenses were managed well. The good thing is that now people are allowed to dine in.
Shaun is wearing: Denim jacket by Louis Vuitton; Shirt and trousers, his own; Montblanc 1858 Monopusher Chronograph in stainless steel with cognac-coloured aged calf leather strap