Entrepreneur Qi Xin launches her new Asian Fusion restaurant in Carr Street, Ipswich.
The young businesswoman, who originally came to England to study at university, has now launched her first business.
Papa Panda in Carr Street is an Asian Fusion buffet, restaurant and bar.
It is officially opening on Saturday, with a performance of traditional Chinese lion dancing, after several days of `soft’ opening to shake out any early problems in the organisation.
Businesswoman Qi Xin,28 years, stayed on after university in York and completed an MBA business qualification, in London.
She said: “I was looking for an idea for my own business
“I helped a friend set up and run a restaurant in central London, and enjoyed it.
“Now I am doing this on my own.
“This is my first restaurant business. I am very excited about it.”
The businesswoman is originally from Nan Ching, near Shanghai in China.
She said: “My parents and family are still in China. Five years ago I wanted to come to the UK for university.
“I think they expected me to finish university and return to my home town and get married. But I wanted to stay in the UK and set up a business.
“I told my parents I wanted to open a restaurant.
“They have been quite supportive.
“I hope they will be able to come over and see what I am doing, though they both still work.”
She said she looked around for premises for a restaurant, and found 70 Carr Street, which has previously been a Chinese restaurant, and a shop, was available.
She moved to Ipswich in May to oversee its fitting out, and to recruit staff.
“It is a very big space, and upstairs the kitchens are the biggest I have ever seen, in this country.”
“Everything is new, the furniture and the equipment. And I have tried to recruit local people.
“I will do some more decorating later, once we are established.
“Customers have told me about the history of the building, and how it used to be a shop before it was a restaurant.”
The new restaurant will be open seven days a week, she added.
“I will be here,” she said, “It is very important to consider customer care, and to be at the front of the restaurant.”
Her own food tastes go beyond traditional Chinese, and include Japanese, Mexican and Arabic food.
“It will be Asian food here; curries, and food from China, Cantonese and some Japanese really. We will listen to what the customers say they like.”
The grand opening takes place on Saturday September 2, around 12.30pm, with lion dancers performing.
Papa Panda, 70 Carr Street 01473 222390.
Celebration day on Saturday September 2 with Chinese lion dancers
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