Here is a rewritten title: Twenty Years of Service: Dylan Ching, T S Restaurants
Quick Facts
- Dylan Ching has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry
- He oversees operations at 12 T S Restaurants locations in Hawai’i and California
- Ching manages a team of over 1,300 employees
- He serves on boards for organizations such as the Waikīkī Community Center, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Bishop Museum Association Council, and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority
Twenty Years of Service: Dylan Ching, T S Restaurants
As a leader in the hospitality industry, Dylan Ching has made a significant impact on the lives of his colleagues and the community. With over 25 years of experience under his belt, Ching has risen through the ranks of T S Restaurants, a family-owned chain of destination restaurants, to become a respected leader who motivates, inspires, and supports each location to make a meaningful impact in their local community and the state.
Ching’s journey began as a busser at Leilani’s on the Beach in Maui, where he worked his way through high school and college. Today, he oversees operations at the company’s 12 restaurants throughout Hawai’i and California, managing a team of over 1,300 employees. His dedication to his work and his commitment to maintaining the morale, trust, and respect of his team have earned him the admiration and respect of his colleagues and the industry.
Leadership Philosophy
But what drives Ching’s passion for his work? At the heart of it is his love for people and his desire to create memorable experiences for his guests. “We have so many visitors and locals choosing to spend their special moments with us, and so many memories tied to our restaurants,” he says. “It gives me energy when people share their stories.”
For Ching, serving his community is not just a responsibility, but a way to carry the torch for those who came before. As a native Hawaiian, he is deeply committed to preserving the island’s culture and traditions. He serves on boards for various organizations, including the Waikīkī Community Center, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Bishop Museum Association Council, and the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, supporting causes that are close to his heart, such as environmental, ocean, and keiki-related issues.
Community Involvement
Ching’s own upbringing played a significant role in shaping his values and passions. Born in Honolulu and raised on Maui, he grew up surrounded by the ocean and the rich cultural heritage of his native Hawai’i. His mother, professional surfer Laura Blears, instilled in him a deep respect for the land and the people. Sports also played a big part in his life, with Ching playing football in his younger years and eventually coaching. He credits the lessons he learned from his experiences in sports with helping him develop leadership skills that have served him well in his career.
Upbringing and Values
As a leader, Ching is guided by the original values of T S Restaurants’ founders, which he believes are the compass that keeps him focused on what’s truly important. He emphasizes the importance of using aloha in one’s core thought processes, whether dealing with people, community, or business. “When you prioritize aloha, everything else falls into place,” he says.
Testimonials
CEO of T S Restaurants, Jackie Reed, has witnessed firsthand Ching’s impact as a leader and has this to say about him: “Dylan is an impactful leader who motivates, inspires, and supports each location to make a meaningful impact in their local community and the state. He embodies the aloha spirit.“
As we celebrate T S Restaurants’ 20 for the Next 20, it’s clear that Dylan Ching is a shining example of what it means to be a true leader in the hospitality industry. His commitment to his community, his colleagues, and his work is a testament to the power of aloha, and a reminder that even in the face of challenges, there is always hope and always a way to make a difference.
