Student catering business put to an end

After three and a half weeks of running a successful food catering business, seniors Brian Vo and Jesse Yung were faced with disappointing news: Their business was in violation of a school contract with the cafeteria and they would have to stop immediately.

The seniors were unaware of the contract, which states that no outside vendors are allowed on campus during school hours. After returning from a particularly busy trip to In-N-Out on Nov. 7, they were noticed by principal Jeff Anderson and assistant principal Karen Hyde and sent to the office after lunch ended.

Yung felt that it was unfair for the business, which had developed from an economics class project, to be shut down.

“We believe in a balanced economy where one side doesn’t monopolize the market,” said Yung. “We learned in economics that that was the way America was run.”

Sophomore Eric Tang, who had ordered an In-N-Out burger from the pair, disliked the school’s decision.

“I feel it was a bad decision to shut them down because Jesse and Brian’s business represents teen entrepreneurs,” said Tang. “By closing them down, the school is discouraging teen entrepreneurs.”

The business, which delivered food from unusual places such as Lee’s Sandwiches and Pho Saigon, is missed by many students who enjoyed the unique meals. Freshman Stephanie Chu, who had ordered a strawberry milkshake from the pair, said her lunches will not be as interesting without having catered food.

“The business was cool because they delivered to my classroom,” said Chu. “I really liked it.”
Vo and Yung said the best parts about running the business was getting requests from people that they had never even talked to or heard about before.

“It made us feel like we were doing something that was really appreciated,” said Vo.
Although the business was at first only known to a few of the duo’s close friends, it soon grew to the point where the two could earn up to $70 in one day.

“I think the business was a success,” said Yung. “We got hands-on experience and a little profit along with it.”

Even though their business only lasted three and a half weeks, Vo and Yung enjoyed their taste of being entrepreneurs.

“It was fun being your own boss and managing your own thing while making money,” said Vo. “Business is probably going to be my backup major now.”