The Unshakeables: A Culinary Love Letter to Chinatown - Potluck Club

Episode Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Unshakeables, hosted by Ben Walter of Chase for Business and featuring special co-host Jessica Young from Chase's payments team, listeners are introduced to Cory Ng and his entrepreneurial journey with Potluck Club, a vibrant restaurant nestled in Manhattan's Chinatown. This episode delves deep into the trials, triumphs, and unwavering spirit that define Cory and his team as they navigate the complexities of running a small business in one of New York City's most culturally rich neighborhoods.

The Birth of Potluck Club

Cory Ng, alongside his childhood friends, embarked on their entrepreneurial journey from a young age, experimenting with various ventures from T-shirt printing to bike shops. Their innate drive to "create something from nothing" (04:15) laid the foundation for Potluck Club, their latest and most ambitious project.

Cory Ng (04:15): "What started as we were printing T shirts. We would sell them at school. We did that. We had a bike shop, we had a bike company... we just felt great about it. You know what I'm saying? It was the idea of creating something from nothing."

Growing up in the tightly-knit community of Chinatown, Cory and his friends aimed to establish a space that not only honored their cultural roots but also propelled their community into the future amidst the challenges of gentrification and real estate development.

Cory Ng (04:31): "We wanted to build a space in Chinatown... Our parents came in the 60s and the 70s, and we're witnessing Chinatown, especially in Manhattan, shrink at a very rapid pace every single day."

Overcoming Challenges: The Contractor Scam

The path to opening Potluck Club was fraught with obstacles, the most significant being a fraudulent contractor who scammed the team out of $50,000. This betrayal not only strained their finances but also threatened the very existence of their dream restaurant.

Cory Ng (14:23): "He was in cahoots with the engineer, who had an official engineer stamp... they literally took, like, $50,000 of our money. We were left in very, very bad shape."

Despite this setback, the resilience of Cory and his team shone through. They eventually found a trustworthy contractor who helped them salvage the project, showcasing their determination to see Potluck Club come to life.

Cory Ng (15:07): "We turned the Titanic around. We did not hit the iceberg. We were very, very close... we never give up on each other."

Opening the Restaurant

After enduring months of delays and financial strain, Potluck Club officially opened its doors in June 2022. Operating with minimal working capital, the team managed to maintain a skeleton crew, embodying the essence of grit and perseverance.

Cory Ng (16:22): "We just kept our head down, worked seven days a week, up, down, everything, did it and crawled away out of it."

Facing Crises: The Water Gushing Incident

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when, shortly after catering a high-profile dinner for the NBA at Radio City Music Hall, Cory receives an urgent call about a severe water leak in the restaurant during peak dinner service.

Cory Ng (17:15): "I roll in the window, I'm looking at the city... Five minutes into that ride, I get a call from the restaurant. You know what happened next? Water gushing from the ceiling."

Despite the chaos, Cory and his team chose to persevere, ensuring that the guests remained unaware of the crisis unfolding behind the scenes.

Cory Ng (18:34): "We did not close. And yeah, guests did not know, but we knew internally, we knew."

Community Engagement and Giving Back

Central to Potluck Club's mission is its commitment to the Chinatown community. From feeding hundreds of seniors monthly in partnership with organizations like More Than a Meal to hosting communal gatherings, the restaurant serves as a beacon of support and unity.

Cory Ng (22:05): "We open our doors to all the seniors of our community... They also like to come in and just have a good time."

Additionally, Potluck Club engages in innovative collaborations, such as partnering with Billionaire Boys Club for limited-edition merchandise, with proceeds benefiting nonprofit organizations like Apex for Youth.

Cory Ng (25:14): "We took 100% of the proceeds and we donated it to Apex for Youth."

Expansion and Future Plans

Building on the success of Potluck Club, Cory and his team recently launched Phoenix Palace, a restaurant that delves deeper into Cantonese banquet cuisine. This expansion underscores their ambition to solidify their presence in Chinatown and inspire future entrepreneurs within the community.

Cory Ng (25:59): "Phoenix palace is just a continuation... We hope to be an institution in Chinatown, something people can look forward to and also hope to inspire more of it."

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

When asked about his top piece of advice for aspiring business owners, Cory emphasizes the importance of taking the first step, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and maintaining unwavering determination.

Cory Ng (27:15): "Try early, as early as possible and keep going."

Legacy and Succession Planning

The conversation also touches upon the critical aspect of legacy and succession planning for small businesses. With the average age of American business owners rising, Ben Walter highlights the importance of having a clear plan for the future of the business, whether it involves selling, passing it on to the next generation, or other strategies.

Ben Walter (28:57): "The difference in success outcomes between those who plan for it and those who don't is dramatic."

Conclusion

Cory Ng's story encapsulates the essence of what it means to be The Unshakeables. From overcoming fraudulent schemes to navigating unexpected crises, his unyielding spirit and dedication to the Chinatown community serve as an inspiring testament to the resilience required to succeed in the small business landscape. Through Potluck Club and Phoenix Palace, Cory not only celebrates his cultural heritage but also fosters a sense of community, leaving a lasting legacy that extends beyond the realm of culinary excellence.

Timestamps

• [00:07] Ben Walter introduces the episode and Cory Ng
• [00:26] Cory Ng shares about catering a dinner for the NBA
• [04:15] Cory discusses early entrepreneurial ventures
• [04:31] Cory speaks about building a space in Chinatown
• [14:23] Cory details the contractor scam
• [15:07] Cory reflects on overcoming the scam
• [16:22] Cory talks about operating with minimal capital
• [17:15] Cory narrates the water gushing incident
• [18:34] Cory explains handling the crisis without alarming guests
• [22:05] Cory elaborates on community engagement
• [25:14] Cory discusses collaborations and charitable contributions
• [25:59] Cory introduces Phoenix Palace
• [27:15] Cory offers advice to entrepreneurs
• [28:57] Ben Walter emphasizes the importance of succession planning