Timely break on the menu 06 November 2006
By JO MOIRThe owners of one of New Plymouth's longest-running restaurants have a simple philosophy.
"The ups and downs of the economy make it hard to run a business, but if you keep a high standard then people will always come back," says June Joe, of Tong Restaurant.
These consistently high standards, however, are the reason June and her husband Shun have decided to call it quits.
"After 20 years, it is hard to keep up the standards and we feel like we need a break."
The Joe family has operated its central Devon St business six days a week, preparing and cooking all the dishes themselves.
Shun and June moved to Taranaki from Auckland after being offered the Tong Restaurant by the previous owners, relatives Tony and Jennifer Joe.
"I worked in restaurants in Auckland for a long time as a chef and we wanted to open our own family restaurant," Mr Joe said.
Mum, Dad and three children have been involved in running the business.
"All the family has helped out over the years, and our son Brendan (19), has been working here since completing a cookery course at the polytech," Mrs Joe said.
When the Joes bought Tong Restaurant, which first opened in 1979, it already had an established reputation.
"There was no need to change the name because people knew where it was and how good it was already," Brendan Joe said.
The success behind Tong Restaurant comes down to consistently delivering a high standard.
"We have regular customers come in who always say they enjoy coming back because of the high standard over the years.
"Some people come in and say they remember coming and eating here when they were children, and still keep coming back," Mrs Joe said.
The menu at Tong is varied and although the Joes have a sure favourite, customers seem to enjoy a range of choices.
"We really enjoy the sweet and sour dishes, which we often cook for the family," Mr Joe said.
Tong Restaurant and Andre' L'Escargot Restaurant are the oldest eateries in New Plymouth owned by single families.
But, after 20 years of catering to the public's needs, the Joe family is looking forward to a well-deserved holiday and, possibly, a move back to Auckland eventually.
"We want to take some time to enjoy Taranaki and have a break and enjoy the garden.
"After our break we will decide what we want to do and where we will go," Mrs Joe said.
One particular aspect of Tong Restaurant that keeps the customers coming is the atmosphere.
"Customers always comment on the decor here and they love the colour, so the inside hasn't been changed since 1979.
"Every time we have needed to repaint, we have had to find the exact same colour so that we don't change the atmosphere that the people enjoy," Mrs Joe said.
The new owners of Tong Restaurant are said to be keeping it as a restaurant, but probably not in the same style.
The Joes have enjoyed their time at Tong Restaurant, having met many local people over the years and making life-long friends.
"We feel sad to leave and will miss this place, but have enjoyed our 20 years," Mrs Joe said.
