Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Wu
Hi Mike, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
VGET Cafe was born out of our passion for authentic Chinese cuisine and my journey as a serial restaurateur. Originally from Guangzhou, China, I moved to the U.S. over a decade ago to pursue business school at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. It was there that I met my future business partner, Luke Wills, and our shared love for Chinese food planted the seed for what would become VGET.
After graduating, I immersed myself in the Food & Beverage industry, taking on founding roles and ownership of several establishments across the Midwest, including Chowbus in Chicago and Teamoji near Ohio State University here in Columbus. These experiences not only honed my entrepreneurial skills but also deepened my understanding of what it takes to bring unique culinary experiences to increasingly diverse communities.
Years later, Luke and I reconnected, both now married to OSU grads, and decided to collaborate on a new venture that would bring authentic Asian flavors to Columbus. We assembled a talented team of partners, each bringing unique skills and perspectives from different cities, from Boston to Atlanta to San Jose. Together, we created VGET Cafe, a place where we could share the rich, diverse flavors of mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, and beyond with the Columbus community that clearly has an appetite for authenticity.
Our name, “VGET,” reflects our commitment to bringing people together through good food & authentic drinks. ‘VGET’ a better life together. 😄
We invite everyone to visit us in the Kenny Centre or support us through one of our delivery partners at VGET.cafe! Enjoy one of our signature Korean Egg Toasts, Taiwanese Rice Wraps, or the Organic Hong Kong Milk Tea in a warm and welcoming environment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting VGET Cafe was far from a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges we faced was introducing authentic Asian flavors to a market that wasn’t quite familiar with them yet. Educating customers about our unique offerings, like our Signature Taiwanese Rice Wraps and Soy Sauce Tea Eggs, required a thoughtful approach and consistent marketing efforts.
Additionally, the logistical hurdles of sourcing authentic ingredients while maintaining high quality and affordability were very real. For instance, we had to build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure that our supply chain was reliable, in the face of unexpected disruptions and delays.
Another challenge was assembling a team that could bring our vision to life. We needed individuals who were not only skilled but also passionate about delivering an exceptional experience from the food & beverage to the atmosphere in-store. This took time and careful selection, but we are really proud and thankful for the team we have today.
Despite these challenges, our determination and commitment to providing an authentic and welcoming experience have driven us forward. Each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons, making VGET what it is today—a place where people can enjoy the best of Asian culinary traditions in the heart of Columbus.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a serial restaurateur with a deep passion for authentic culinary experiences, I specialize in creating unique dining concepts that resonate with diverse communities. At VGET Cafe, my focus is on bringing the rich and varied flavors of Asian cuisine to Columbus in a way that feels both familiar and exciting to our customers.
One of my core strengths lies in my ability to blend traditional recipes with modern tastes, ensuring that our offerings appeal to a wide audience while staying true to their origins. I’m known for my attention to detail, from sourcing the highest quality ingredients to crafting a menu that reflects both authenticity and innovation.
What sets me apart is my experience across different cities and cultures, which has given me a unique perspective on how to introduce new flavors to different markets successfully. My previous ventures, including Chowbus in Chicago and Teamoji in Columbus, have honed my ability to understand and anticipate customer needs, allowing me to create dining experiences that people love and return to.
I am most proud of the community we’ve built around VGET Cafe. Seeing customers enjoy our offerings and hearing their stories about how our food reminds them of home or introduces them to something new is incredibly rewarding. It’s this connection between food and people that drives everything I do.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We’d love to welcome you to VGET Cafe to experience the authentic flavors that we’ve worked so hard to curate for the Columbus community. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a moment with friends/family sipping on our Organic Hong Kong Milk Tea or want to explore new tastes with our unique offerings like our Creamy Avocado Smoothie, we’re here to make every visit memorable. Follow us on Instagram @vgetcolumbus to stay updated on our latest creations and specials, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or just want to say Hi (or Nihao) 😊
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vget.cafe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vgetcolumbus/
