Lessons from Hong Kong: Managing a Post-COVID Reality

*This is a recording of a live Q&A held on May 15, 2020*

Listen in as Black Sheep Restaurants Co-Founder Syed Asim Hussain and SevenRooms SVP of Marketing Marybeth Sheppard discuss what it takes to ‘reset the table’ and manage a post-COVID-19 reality for restaurants.

Learn how Hussain built a framework for success at his restaurants, including new health and safety practices, updating standard operating procedures across his organization, and revisiting the guest experience.

About Syed Asim Hussain

Syed Asim Hussain co-founded Black Sheep Restaurants in 2012, becoming one of the most prolific innovators at the forefront of Hong Kong’s ever-evolving culinary scene. Hussain grew up in his father’s Hong Kong restaurants during summers home from schooling in Pakistan and developed a love affair with the storytelling and hospitality of the restaurant industry. He went on to earn a dual bachelor’s degree in finance and international relations from Carnegie Mellon University and then worked at leading brokerage house BNY ConvergEX in New York City. Feeling the pull back into restaurants, Asim returned to Hong Kong in 2010 and toiled his way through different apprenticeships to gain a deeper understanding of the business. He met chef Christopher Mark at work, and the two connected over their desire to shake up the city’s dining scene and create ‘new authentic’ experiences. Together they founded the aptly named Black Sheep Restaurants with the goal of creating a dynamic community and enriching team culture while telling compelling stories through food.

When not looking after the Black Sheep Restaurants’ family or guests in his restaurants, Asim is passionate about all things Pakistan, including poetry, politics and cricket. He is a board member and the Hong Kong founding member of CARE Pakistan, a non-profit providing quality and marketable education for Pakistan’s youth.

About Black Sheep Restaurants

Niche, thought-provoking and story-driven. Black Sheep Restaurants is a Hong Kong-based hospitality group founded in 2012 by Syed Asim Hussain and Christopher Mark. Together they share decades of experience in hospitality along with a zest for travel and discovering dining subcultures. Black Sheep Restaurants curates distinct dining experiences that tell a story about a particular time, place, culture or cuisine, while celebrating the bounty of premium ingredients available both locally and from abroad. Always pushing boundaries, the group continues to expand rapidly within Hong Kong and beyond. In December 2018, Syed Asim Hussain became the world’s youngest restaurateur to hold two Michelin stars when BELON and New Punjab Club were honored with one Michelin star each. Both restaurants retained their Michelin stars in the 2019 announcement. New Punjab Club is the world’s only Punjabi restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.