An interview with Kurtis Tan, Owner
What made you decide to get into the business of food/drink?
It was something I was born into. Both of my parents owned their own restaurants and it left an impression on me. As a kid I would watch my father, grandfather, and uncle work so hard to achieve their dreams with their stores. It seemed like second nature to step into the restaurant world, although it was something I wanted to do myself as well. It is in my blood.
Why Reno?
Reno has been home for so long, why not Reno? This has been my home ever since I moved back from Hong Kong as a teenager. I saw all this potential here for growth and culinary exploration. This city is made up of such diverse and eclectic people. Even though Reno has been home, the community is what I love about it here. Reno isn’t just a city, it’s a family that supports one another like no other place in the world.
Why are you excited for Reno Restaurant Week?
Being a younger member of the industry, I am excited to learn and embrace the local food community. I want to learn and connect with those around me and make our place stronger and better. That only happens by listening and meeting more people in our community. I’m also excited to get the chance to try other places and support other local businesses as well.
What is one thing you’d like your guests to know about you and/or your establishment?
Ijji Noodle House and Poke Don is a local family-run and operated business. It provides something new to the Ijji name everyone knows, allowing us to become more and provide new experiences. This cuisine also has a lower price point and allows us to encompass a fun dining experience for all people. We pride ourselves in adding and providing variety to the Reno community for Asian Cuisine. This allows us to focus on our craft and the service we provide to our guests, whom we also call our family. Getting to know and create that community with our customers is what we love best.
How are you complying with safety guidelines for COVID-19?
Safety for our community is our main focus- for our staff, our customers, and their families. Although this has been a difficult experience for everyone, we have used this time to grow and adapt. We love being able to see everyone but we understand that keeping our community safe means not getting them inside to dine with us. We adapt to a multi-faceted dining experince from dine-in to curbside to-go or takeout/delivery. Whichever way you feel safer, we have it as an option. In keeping with the safety and sanitization standards of the state, all employees wear masks, wash their hands consistently to avoid contact person to person, and require the use of gloves.
2020 RRW Menu
