Business Spotlight: Silk Road Café
Terry Zhuang, owner of Silk Road Café
Silk Road Café
30 Mott St
(212) 766-8665
Longevity Fund grant recipient Silk Road Café, located in the heart of Chinatown, offers a variety of teas, bubble teas, and gourmet coffee along with pastries, light bites, and desserts. Owner Terry Zhuang started as an employee and bought the business in 2013 when the owner decided to retire. Customers return time and again for its affordability and cozy atmosphere.
Tell us about yourself.
I moved to NYC from China in 2007. Like many immigrants, I worked as a busboy while attending Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) where I majored in hospitality. The former owner of Silk Road Café noticed my hard work and ambition, so decided to sell the business to me when he retired knowing it would be in good hands.
How would you describe your relationship with the community?
Silk Road Café provides a nice spot for our neighbors to chat and organize community events. We have had the same staff for decades and developed deep bonds with the community. When neighboring businesses reopened with outdoor seating, we offered our outdoor space so they could have a bigger dining area. The former owner supported the community, and I wanted to continue that tradition. We can make it through this difficult time if we work together.
“We can make it through this difficult time if we work together.”
How do you interact with the Chinatown community?
Ever since Silk Road Café opened, we have been supporting the Chinatown community by hosting open mic talk shows, teenager activities with medical centers, and other events. We opened before other businesses in the neighborhood because we wanted to give the community confidence that we can survive the pandemic.
Who is your typical customer?
We have a wide variety of customers. About 50% are tourists, and the others are locals. Many love our coffee and come to enjoy a sunny afternoon at our café. People also come to discuss business, read books, do homework, or even teach Chinese to foreigners.
“If we can survive one more day, we can bring one more day of positive energy to the neighborhood. ”
Do you collaborate with other businesses or community organizations?
We collaborate with a Japanese friend who holds weekly art shows and open mics so our customers and Chinatown residents can experience more of our café. However, due to the pandemic, we have had to cancel these events, but hope to revive these traditions after COVID.
How has Welcome to Chinatown and the Longevity Fund helped your business?
During the pandemic, our landlord has offered a rent reduction so we could continue serving the Chinatown community. Our sales have decreased but our operational costs have increased, which is the biggest problem. The grant can help us weather these difficult times and provide services to the community in the future.
What are the most popular items on your menu?
Passion fruit tea, Jasmine Rose Green, Oolong Orange Tea, and cheesecake.
What are your plans for the future?
We installed moveable plastic boards to provide a safe and private space to dine, chat, and eat. I hope the community can become prosperous again while we control the spread of the virus. If we can survive one more day, we can bring one more day of positive energy to the neighborhood.
How has COVID-19 impacted your business?
Just like other businesses, we experienced a sharp drop in sales. With takeout and outdoor dining, we only made about 30% of our normal earnings. Since each purchase is only a couple of dollars, we rely on a large volume of customers who visit, so the decrease in foot traffic affected us immensely.
Chinatown establishments like Silk Road Café are what makes the spirit of our neighborhood. We need your support to keep that spirit alive. Please consider donating to The Longevity Fund, our small business relief fund, or help us spread the word of what’s at stake. Together, we can preserve Chinatown businesses and help keep Chinatown open for business.
Photo Credit: Fuxuan Xin and Silk Road Café
