In 2025, Red Lantern marked 24 years of sharing Vietnamese culture and cuisine with Sydney, and the world. We’re proud to be among the top 15% of businesses globally that last more than two decades, and to hold the title as the most awarded Vietnamese restaurant in the world.
Today, my brother Luke and partner Mark have taken our vision global, with Luke becoming one of the world’s most syndicated chefs, and Mark leading sustainability advocacy in hospitality.
But the journey hasn’t been without sacrifice.
When we opened Red Lantern back in 2002, we were fully booked every night. The thrill of success, however, came at a steep price. We worked 80 to 100-hour weeks, burnt out, stressed, and drained, too exhausted for our personal lives, our health, and even our dreams. I developed alopecia from the pressure.
Despite awards like Best New Restaurant and Best Asian Restaurant four years running, the cost was clear: burnout. One 2 a.m. after-shift conversation between us was a wake-up call. We were physically and mentally broken, and asking ourselves: “What are we doing? We look terrible, have no life left, and feel empty.”
We had chased external markers of success… accolades, recognition, fortune, but we’d lost sight of what truly matters: happiness and alignment with our values. Our business was flourishing, but our lives were not.
That moment sparked a transformation. We realized success isn’t about endless grind, it’s about working smarter, staying true to ourselves, and redefining what fulfillment really means.
Since then, we’ve embraced balance, purpose, and resilience, and only then did the true rewards of our work begin.
But the battle isn’t over. Hospitality in Sydney is still under threat.
As a family-owned restaurant competing against corporate giants and hedge fund-backed groups, the stakes have never been higher. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, insolvencies in food and accommodation surged 92.4% in late 2023, and even large groups like Pacific Hunter (owners of Rockpool) reported significant losses.
Even billion-dollar players are struggling. The Star Entertainment Group, one of Australia’s largest casino operators, faces collapse amid mounting debt, costly delays, and serious regulatory probes. Experts warn its cash could run out soon, highlighting just how fragile even the biggest businesses are today.
That’s why I’m writing this article, to remind you that:
Family restaurants like Red Lantern survive because of you… our community.
We’re asking you to visit your favourite local restaurant once every six weeks, and bring a new friend. Small actions like these fill the gaps left by the inflation and aggressive industry consolidation.
True success means thriving inside and out
At Red Lantern, our credo remains: “To uplift the human spirit through the alchemy of flavour, hospitality and heart.”
We’re here because of resilience, grit, and YOU.
Success isn’t just about external validation. It’s about aligning with who you truly are and building a life, and a business, that feels right from the inside out.
We invite you to join us on this journey, to taste, to connect, to support, and to celebrate what family-owned hospitality means.
