Now we take a look at one of Taiwan’s most successful social enterprises. Nestled in one of Yilan’s coastal communities is a restaurant that exists to profit the local community. The restaurant at Zhaoyang Fishing Harbor is a mecca for foodies, especially fish lovers. It was founded 18 years ago along with a community development association in Su’ao Township. All the profits from the business go towards community projects in the small local village, such as support for older people and parents.

The chef of this kitchen is managing three pots at once. Two of them contain fresh cuttlefish and need constant stirring – a tricky job.

But by keeping the flame at the perfect level, the chef can serve up the seafood when it’s just right. A little black pepper, salt and garlic are sprinkled on the side to complete the dish. Fresh slices of sashimi, beltfish rice flour noodle soup, gleaming golden deep-fried fish… A full table of delicacies is served, leaving the customers impatient to tuck in.

This hidden gem is tucked in Zhaoyang Fishing Harbor in Yilan’s Su’ao Township. The town’s population is less than 200, and it’s aging fast. Eighteen years ago, the restaurant’s founder collaborated with the local government to start a community development association, and to open this restaurant. He exclusively hires local residents at the eatery, and all its profits go the association, which exists to provide support for local people.

Chao Wen-hao
Community Development Association founder
The profit all goes 100% into the association, and they have completely open accounts. It goes to the association to use, for example, to take care of older people in the community, for medical care, and even now they have a new subsidy for parents and those raising children. Taiwan needs examples like this. Apart from government funding support, if businesses work together, they enable a local community to not have to be permanently dependent on government funding.

Over 20 years of hard work, the community had gone from strength to strength. Thanks to the skills of the chef, the restaurant has become a big draw for foodies, and is seen as a prime example of a thriving social enterprise in Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#台灣新聞 #TaiwanNews #民視新聞 #FTV新聞 #Taiwan