We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raymond Li. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raymond below.
Raymond, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Li’s Dim Sum was formulated by Chef Li in Miami, FL during a time were everything was closed due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. We had a great response from the community and eventually moved into a temporary pop up space which thrived for about 4 months gaining local news attention until I closed it. After closing, Chef Raymond Li went to open Tropezón on espanola way with Lost Boy & Co and after shaping the kitchen & menu at Kaori in brickell. During this time, Chef Raymond Li had put Li’s Dim Sum on hold as he returned to the work field, but never lost sight of the vision and reason behind li’s dim sum. “Honestly, I was doing it all. From the marketing, to make the flyers, to the menus, to making uber deliveries, to running the numbers, and everything else you can imagine”.
But regardless of the hardship, Chef Raymond Li kept the vision and kept pushing. He recently, October 2022, activated the brand again seeking to produce dim sum for local restaurants and as well as maybe reopening the “pop up” and eventually concreting it into a Miami local staple.
“Miami is home, but i definitely have my eyes on other cities in which I also feel at home. You know this is deeper than you think. My father lost his father at a early age which is why he didn’t learn how to speak Cantonese and lost ties with the Chinese side.Honestly, If i don’t do this, The Dim Sum Culture my family brought from China to Cuba, Will die off. I come from a lineage of Entreprenuers/Chefs & Dim sum masters. I never had the pleasure of meeting my Grandfather, But i know doing this, This is keeping the tradition alive, dim sum runs through my veins and it’s something I harbor close to my heart. It’s like a lost forgotten Culture within me that Calls me to seek.”
Raymond, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Chef Raymond Li , born and raised in Miami, Florida, is of Chinese, Colombian, and Cuban descent in which is reflected in his Distinctive, avant garde, and delicious approach to Modern Asian Cuisine. A perfect example of Resiliency, & Change, growing up he had multiple occurrences with the Law, Including one time that he served 1 year in prison.
“I’m a perfect example that your past does not dictate your future. I’ve dedicated ever since my release into bettering myself and those around me”.
He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2015 and has worked at some of the best restaurants in south florida (such as The Ritz Carlton And “Matador Room” by Jean Georges in the Miami Beach edition, Zuma) and has also spent some time in michelin starred restaurants such as *** “Benu” in San Francisco and ** “L Atelier De Joel Robuchon” in Paris, France. In 2018, the received 4 stars with the Miami Herald during his leadership at “Palmar”, which then made Bon Appetit’s list of the 50 Best New Restaurants in the US .
He created Li’s Dim Sum, a father-son modern dim sum concept during the pandemic which quickly became popular amongst locals. Raymond Li also has done various community building/Charity events with the Young Leaders of United Way Miami, Flipany, Flite Center in Broward amongst a few.
He is currently about to release a Home Spice Seasoning Blend, Li’s 7 Spice
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Honestly, Social Media & Word of Mouth. I’m grateful i’ve been active on social since instagram started and have been branding myself as a chef for many years on it that I’ve been able to foster a great reach when i do ads. Honestly, FB & IG ads are more powerful than you think.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Honestly, my whole story from upon my release in prison back in 2009 until now has been all resilience. You know when your a felon, Society marks you. But with time, I’ve noticed and i’m grateful, that my guest/clients are not looking at my past as disqualification, but more of a qualification of a strong, Resilient, Passionate leader.
It’s tough when you have the record and maintaining a positive attitude. According to Statistics, Within three years of a offenders release, two out of three former prisoners are rearrested and more than 50% are incarcerated again. I’m the walking proof, you can really create a different future from your past
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lisdimsum.com
- Instagram: @chefrayjr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ChefRaymondLi/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raymond-li-jr-7605a7107
- Twitter: @chefrayjr