Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio) Episode: You Might Also Like: The Unshakeables
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: May 3, 2025

1. Introduction to "The Unshakeables" Segment

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Ben Walter delves into the resilience of small business owners through the segment titled "The Unshakeables." Focusing on the story of Cory Ng and his Chinatown restaurant, Potluck Club, Ben explores the challenges and triumphs experienced by entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community, perseverance, and strategic decision-making.

2. Cory Ng and the Potluck Club: An Entrepreneurial Journey

Cory Ng shares his journey of building Potluck Club, highlighting the importance of friendship and shared vision in entrepreneurship.

• Early Ventures:
  "What started as we were printing T-shirts... We did that. We had a bike shop, we had a bike company, and after that, we went into ice cream shops." ([04:15])

• Founding Potluck Club:
  Born out of a desire to stay connected to Chinatown and honor his cultural roots, Cory and his friends transformed a family-owned produce and sausage distribution building into Potluck Club.
  "We wanted to build a space in Chinatown in our community that raised us, that celebrates our culture but brings it to the future." ([04:27])

3. Overcoming Adversity: Building Amid the Pandemic

Cory recounts the formidable challenges faced while establishing Potluck Club during the COVID-19 pandemic, including navigating city permits and dealing with a fraudulent contractor.

• Construction Hurdles:
  "Building Potluck was probably one of the hardest feats we've ever had to overcome." ([12:08])
  The team faced significant delays and financial setbacks when a contractor absconded with $50,000, leaving the build incomplete.

• Resilience and Teamwork:
  Despite setbacks, Cory emphasizes the unwavering support among his friends:
  "We just never give up on each other. We just continue going and going on with a smile and try our hardest." ([15:07])

4. The Role of Data in Small Business Success

Jessica Young, Head of Product for Chase's payments team, joins the conversation to discuss the critical role of data in making informed business decisions.

• Importance of Quantitative Insights:
  "Understanding simple things like what zip codes are your customers coming from... can help you make better decisions." ([08:52])

• Operational Efficiency:
  Utilizing data for staffing decisions and inventory management can prevent operational "fires" and reduce expenses.
  "Just understanding the busiest time of day, day of week... can help business owners make staffing decisions." ([09:30])

5. Navigating the Restaurant Industry: Success Factors

The episode explores why many restaurants fail and what sets successful establishments apart.

• Statistics and Challenges:
  "60% fail within the first year and 80% fail within the first five years." ([11:06])

• Keys to Success:
  Beyond good food, successful restaurants excel in customer experience and operational management.
  "Good food is perhaps the baseline ingredient to make a restaurant fun... but you have to build upon that." ([11:30])

• Technological Innovations:
  Advanced restaurant-specific software solutions contribute to smoother operations and enhanced dining experiences.

6. Community Engagement and Giving Back

Cory highlights Potluck Club's commitment to the Chinatown community through various initiatives aimed at supporting seniors and fostering cultural connections.

• Feeding the Elderly:
  "Every month we feed around 250 to 300 seniors. We partner with our good friends, More Than a Meal..." ([22:07])

• Collaborations and Philanthropy:
  Partnering with Billionaires Boys Club for Lunar New Year T-shirts, Potluck Club donates proceeds to Apex for Youth, supporting underprivileged youth across all five boroughs.
  "We took 100% of the proceeds and we donated to Apex for Youth." ([25:16])

• Creating Communal Spaces:
  The restaurant serves as a hub for seniors to gather, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
  "Seniors come in, they love their kind of free grocery bags... and also like to come in and just have a good time." ([22:53])

7. Legacy Planning and Succession

The conversation touches on the often-overlooked aspect of legacy and succession planning in small businesses, especially those founded by groups of friends.

• Cory’s Perspective:
  While the Potluck Club team is focused on building a lasting business, they acknowledge the complexities of succession planning within a friendship-based venture.
  "We know things can change... we just want a long lasting business and something we can be proud of." ([26:52])

• Chase’s Insights:
  Ben Walter and Jessica Young discuss the importance of planning for the future to ensure business continuity, whether through family succession or professional transitions.

8. Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Cory imparts valuable advice for those looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

• Embrace Failure as Learning:
  "Try early, as early as possible and keep going. You have to fail fast. You have to fail forward." ([27:17])

• Start Somewhere:
  Taking the first step is crucial, even if initial efforts are small.
  "Everything that happens is another lesson. It's another stepping stone." ([27:23])

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ben Walter wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of passion and community in driving business success. The unwavering commitment of Cory and his team serves as an inspiring example of what it takes to build and sustain a thriving business amidst adversity.

• Final Reflections:
  "The passion and the why behind the business... helps entrepreneurs grit through challenges." ([21:04])

• Upcoming Content:
  The episode hints at future discussions on legacy planning, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for further insights.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Cory Ng on Perseverance:
  "We are just five group of friends that want to do things... We just got each other's back." ([06:27])

• Jessica Young on Data Importance:
  "Understanding your customers quantitatively is really valuable." ([08:52])

• Cory Ng on Community Support:
  "We wanted to celebrate our culture and just show people, hey, this is what we're about." ([07:00])

This episode of The Unshakeables vividly illustrates the blend of passion, resilience, and community spirit that fuels successful small businesses. Through Cory Ng's narrative, listeners gain a profound appreciation for the multifaceted challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, especially within culturally rich communities like Chinatown.