Having grown-up spending a lot of time in a small Chinese restaurant run by her parents in Cavan, Trent University Bachelor of Education graduate Susan Tung ’18 (Otonabee College) followed the path that many parents hope for their kids: finish high school, go to university or college, earn your degree, and find a secure job.

Recognizing her calling was in the hospitality industry, it was during her final teaching practicum at Trent, that Susan opened her first restaurant Hanoi House.  

“Admittedly, while I was lesson planning, I was also dreaming up my menu at the same time, but part of my success with this restaurant has been the emphasis on training, and creating a plan for that training,” says Susan as she preps for another day at Hanoi House. “Just like your first day of school, your first day at my restaurant you’ll know what is expected of you.” 

Those in the Peterborough community who know Susan know that managing just one restaurant, catering, a podcast, and a young family wouldn’t be enough for her. After opening and selling NAKA on Hunter Street, Susan is setting her sights on a new Chinese buffet restaurant. She attributes her growth to building a solid foundation in the community, which includes her involvement with local schools and their food programs, and emphasizing education and growth among her employees, just like a teacher would for their students.  

“With a higher level of employee retention and satisfaction, along with systems in place, it has allowed me to grow my business from one location to other concepts, a small catering company and now the Chinese restaurant we’re about to work on,” Susan says.

Watch the video with Susan and follow her on Instagram @susantung or @therestuarantmom to learn more about her journey and what she is doing in the community.

Learn more about Trent University’s Bachelor of Education program.