The epidemic has eroded the meat boss for three years and left the shop to work as a delivery person, selling test kits, hoping to completely relax the epidemic prevention

Three years ago, on January 23, the first confirmed case was officially recorded in Hong Kong. In the past three years, Hong Kong has experienced five waves of epidemics.

Due to measures such as banning dine-in in the evening market and limiting the number of people at the table, the restaurant suffered heavy losses. Zhang Benli, the person in charge of the restaurant, pointed out that the income in the past three years could not fully cover the expenses, "it is impossible to make money." In the most difficult period, even more recently 90% of my colleagues were diagnosed.

He decided to add takeaways, and served as a deliveryman himself, and "changed" to sell testing kits, and finally survived these three years.

Zhang Benli said that after the anti-epidemic measures were greatly relaxed, the increase in business volume was the most obvious. "In January, it increased by 20%, which is the largest increase." He believes that the economy must be fully relaxed before the anti-epidemic measures can recover.

Witness that Tsim Sha Tsui has become a "Western Cowboy Movie": The bullies are ready to deal with the people who are scared away

Ding Hao Seafood Restaurant has stood on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui for more than half a century. In the eyes of Zhang Benli, the bustling street has witnessed the "power" of the epidemic for the first time: "The street is almost deserted. Come to make a deal, those people are scared to leave.”

The scary bully can't see the new coronavirus with the naked eye. From the initial panic, the government stepped up anti-epidemic measures and "closed the gate" after 10 o'clock in the evening market, and even banned dine-in at the evening market. The business was hit hard.

Zhang Benli pointed out that in the past three years, the income of the restaurant could not fully cover the expenses such as electricity or gas. There are only 5 guests in the city.

The most difficult period must be the fifth wave of the epidemic. "In March 2022, 70% of our restaurant colleagues were diagnosed. By August, another colleague was diagnosed. After March and August, basically 90% All colleagues have been diagnosed." He said that fortunately, colleagues help each other and will help buy medicine and deliver it to the door.

The boss personally drives to deliver food

However, due to the shortage of manpower, the restaurant will also be closed for a few days. In order to survive, we must always find a way to "open source".

Zhang Benli pointed out that he decided to add takeaways, including setting up a stall at the entrance of the restaurant every morning to deliver dim sum, and also "delivering to your door". Don’t worry, I’m not afraid of getting the disease.” However, the income is always low, “A day of good luck is 10,000 to 20,000 (takeaway income), and bad luck is 8,000.”

Fortunately, by the second half of 2022, the epidemic prevention restrictions began to be relaxed, and the income improved.

Zhang Benli said that the business volume in January has the most obvious growth, "20% more." With the continuous relaxation of measures, the business volume in January this year has returned to 80% of the pre-epidemic level. Hong Kong people come to pay New Year's greetings."

Zhang Benli said that some companies have already made reservations before the New Year. "Usually, on good days (auspicious days), the reservations are fully booked, and the supply exceeds demand; on bad days, 70% are full." He pointed out that although the reservations Increase, only some companies will take it into consideration when booking a table, "Maybe the budget will be 10% less than the left, so keep it in mind."

However, Zhang Benli believes that the epidemic prevention restrictions must always be relaxed before the economy can improve.

He also hopes that the business of his restaurant and all walks of life will be good.

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Vaccine pass cancelled｜The restaurant expects to accompany the elders to drink tea and young customers will increase the catering industry business or increase by 10%.