Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynae Fearing.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lynae. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I worked in restaurants to pay for my schooling. While I was in college, I met my future husband who at the time was becoming a well-known chef. While we were dating, I experienced a world of food that I had not been exposed to before. Over the years, my palate became more refined and I became a more educated diner. I grew to know the difference between okay, good, and great food. Fast forward 15 years, I had about five girlfriends who were also married to chefs and we would get together for dinner about once a month. During one of our dinners, my friend Tracy and I started talking about a neighborhood restaurant that we both frequented and found out was closing soon. One thing led to another and we decided to buy it. We were lucky that a very brave bank took a chance on us and we opened Shinsei. It started slowly, but over the years, kept building and building. We are about to celebrate our 12th anniversary next month. Looking back, I can see the progression of the events that were all preparing me for this. I learned hospitality and working the front of the house while working in school, and I learned so many different aspects about knowing good food, which are two of the most important aspects to a successful restaurant.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, Shinsei has been fairly smooth. Thinking back, there were so many learning curves, like managing people. We have so many different personalities to navigate and that part has been and still is a process. Some days, I feel like I have done well and some days, I feel like I am starting back to the beginning. I also had not had experience with office work and computers, this was another huge challenge for me. Opening Shinsei forced me to grow in so many ways! Last March, we opened a second restaurant and all the things I thought I knew were tested again. There are so many aspects to a successful restaurant. I am always surprised. I think it is a little bit funny when people who are not in the restaurant business want to open one.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shinsei Restaurant and Lovers Seafood and Market – what should we know?
At Shinsei, we specialize in traditional sushi and Pan Asian cuisine. We are especially known for our fried rice and our Brussel sprouts. Over the years, we have also become known for many other things. Our Katina roll, the Dragon Lady roll, our mashed potatoes, the chocolate cake and our oatmeal cookies. At Lovers Seafood, we have become known for our gumbo, our Stone Crab Claws, and our fresh fish that is shipped in daily. I am most proud of the culture we have created at both restaurants. Our employees take so much pride in what they do, giving people the best service possible. I am also very proud of how much we all care about each other. What sets us apart from other restaurants is the professionalism but also the comfort and friendliness you feel from the moment you walk in the door. Another thing that makes us unique is the fact that Tracy or I are at the restaurant every night – we’re very visible. In turn, we stay connected to our clients and are able to see first-hand how the customer service and quality of the restaurant is. We are also able to lead by example. When our employees see the way we treat people, they understand how important everyone who walks in the door is to us.
What were you like growing up?
Ironically, the same personality traits that I possessed growing up, are still an important part of my life today. It’s mindful of being thoughtful, kind, independent and even bossy when necessary. But it is also about being on this earth to spread love and kindness, and being a caretaker – helping others during their moments of need. Finally, it’s that curiosity to always be a lifelong learner and ready to try something new – after all, that’s what life is all about.
Contact Info:
- Address: Shinsei: 7713 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75209
Lovers Seafood: 5200 W Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209 - Website: Shinsei: www.shinseirestaurant.com Lovers: www.loversseafoodmarket.com
- Phone: Shinsei: (214) 352-0005 Lovers: (214) 414-9880
- Email: Shinsei: info@shinseirestaurant.com Lovers: lovers@loversseafoodmarket.com
- Instagram: Shinsei: shinseirestaurant Lovers: loversseafoodmarket
- Facebook: Shinsei: shinsei Lovers: Lovers Seafood and Market
- Twitter: Shinsei: @shinseidallas Lovers: @loversseafood
- Yelp: Shinsei: Shinsei Lovers: Lovers Seafood and Market
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
