Meet Ying Chang | Fleet Commander at Strong Water Anaheim

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ying Chang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ying, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Strong Water Anaheim’s success can be attributed to several crucial factors. First and foremost, the project was a culmination of years of dedicated work. Our vision was to provide guests from all over with a complete immersive and escapist experience. The concept revolved around celebrating the world of rum, tropical cocktails, and Asian fusion style food, all aboard the shipwreck.

Despite the challenging timing of opening in late 2019, just before the world shut down due to the pandemic, we persevered and managed to thrive. One of the most significant contributors to our success was our ability to pivot and adapt to the changing circumstances. We never gave up and remained committed to preserving the integrity of our offerings, from using only the freshest ingredients to crafting innovative drinks.

Maintaining unwavering dedication and refusing to compromise on quality was non-negotiable. We spared no effort in ensuring that hospitality was at the core of every interaction with our guests. Our primary goal was to create a magical experience for each individual who walked through our doors, and we strived to achieve this on a daily basis.
In summary, the success of Strong Water Anaheim can be attributed to a long-term vision, adaptability, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a relentless pursuit of providing a magical experience to our valued guests.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My husband and business partner, Robert, and I embarked on an extraordinary journey when we conceptualized Strong Water Anaheim. Our vision was to create an immersive experience celebrating the spirit of rum within the hull of a sunken ship. This unique theme allowed us to offer our guests an unforgettable adventure. While Robert focuses on unleashing his creative genius through design curation, mug designs, and merchandising, I handle the day-to-day operations, social media, marketing and more. This harmonious partnership has been the driving force behind our success, even as we balance the demands of our business and family life with two young kids. Although it hasn’t been an easy journey, we’ve discovered that delineating our responsibilities is the key to our triumphs.

From the very start of our relationship, Robert and I shared an immense passion for going above and beyond to create extraordinary experiences for people that surpass their wildest imagination. At Strong Water Anaheim, we take our role incredibly seriously. It’s not just about dining; it’s about fostering genuine human connections.. From the moment our guests check-in to the conclusion of their voyage, every aspect of their experience is designed to be exceptional. This passion for excellence permeates throughout our entire crew. We understand that true hospitality cannot be taught; it comes from the heart. When we hire, we seek out individuals who genuinely embody kindness and hospitality because those are the qualities that truly set us apart.

We want the world to know that at Strong Water Anaheim, we are not just a restaurant but a place where you can experience something truly unique. Our dedication to delivering an extraordinary experience and our unwavering commitment to human connectivity set us apart. Every day, we embrace the challenges with enthusiasm and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our journey is a testament to the fact that daring to dream and persevering through obstacles can lead to the most extraordinary achievements. Thus far, it has been an incredible journey!

We’re getting ready to open another bar called Double Luck! We cannot wait to share this venture with you all!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a devoted mother of two, my time for going out is limited, but if a dear friend were in town visiting Orange County, California, I’d make sure to show them some of the best experiences this area has to offer!

We’d start our culinary adventure with a visit to Wafu Sushi in Costa Mesa, a small yet delightful spot that serves some of the most mouthwatering sushi in town. Savoring their expertly crafted rolls and fresh sashimi would be a must, as it’s one of my all-time favorite places to dine.

After indulging in a sushi feast, we’d head over to Omomo, a renowned boba tea hotspot in OC. I’d introduce my friend to the rich and refreshing taste of their Thai Tea with boba, which happens to be my personal favorite. Trust me; it’s a treat you wouldn’t want to miss!

No visit to Orange County would be complete without a magical experience at Disneyland. We’d set aside an entire day to explore the enchanting world of the park, going on thrilling rides, enjoying dole whip, churros, and all the delightful treats that make Disneyland so special.

Of course, some retail therapy would be in order too! We’d take time to explore the vibrant shopping scene in OC, with visits to charming boutiques, stylish malls, and unique local stores. From fashion finds to one-of-a-kind treasures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

While my life as a mom keeps me busy, having a friend in town would be the perfect excuse to enjoy the best of what Orange County has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible team that has made my vision of creating a hospitality-driven restaurant a reality. Finding like-minded professionals who shared my passion and commitment to delivering magical moments through hospitality was challenging, but once I assembled this team, they surpassed all expectations.

From the back of house (BOH) to the front of house (FOH), each member has shown unwavering dedication to going above and beyond for our guests. Their relentless pursuit of hospitality and their willingness to embrace the values I instilled in the team have been the driving force behind our success.

I want to specifically recognize my leadership team, who have been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s culture and ensuring that every member of the team is motivated and aligned with our goals. Their dedication and support have allowed me to focus on mentoring and watching them grow into exceptional leaders themselves.

In addition to my team, I draw inspiration from two industry titans, Danny Meyers and Will Guidara. Their profound love and passion for the hospitality industry are infectious, and they have played a significant role in shaping the way I approach leadership and hospitality. Their influence motivates me to continuously strive for excellence and innovation in my own work.

Website: www.StrongWaterAnaheim.com

Instagram: StrongWaterAnaheim

Facebook: Strong Water Anaheim

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/strong-water-anaheim-anaheim

Image Credits
All Photos Sarah King Photography except for photo of myself & Robert and the interior shot of all the tables in the main dining area. Those two photos please credit Carla Blumenkrantz Photography.