MASTERS Member of the week: Won Yip

Every week, a unique MASTERS Member is featured. A MASTERS Member is part of the MASTERS League. Hospitality entrepreneur Won Yip is one of Amsterdam's largest catering operators. At 19, this self-made man purchased his first pub in Goes. The Yip Group has since grown into a substantial enterprise.

A unique MASTERS Member is highlighted every week. A MASTERS Member is a member of the MASTERS League. Horecatycoon Won Yip is one of the largest catering entrepreneurs in Amsterdam. At the age of 19, this self-made man bought his first pub in Goes and now the Yip Group has grown into a true empire. Text: Larissa Schaule Jullens

The Yip Group

Where it started with one pub in Goes, it ends with almost all cafés in and around Dam Square in Amsterdam. The Yip Group has now become a successful empire, consisting of the well-known restaurants and clubs: Sushi Samba, Simply Fish, Majestic, Café Zwart, Yip Fellows, Euro Pub and Players.

Eventful year

The year 2020 was eventful for almost all catering entrepreneurs. “2020 was an interesting year. The year has brought both positive and negative things. The positive thing is that I have realized that I have a good life. What I have mainly done is wait and sit still,” said Won Yip.

2021: the year of the Oss

“This is the year of the hard worker. We cannot imagine that there will no longer be any catering industry at all. Locations that previously consisted of more than gold cannot suddenly become mud. A world without restaurants and cafes is not possible. I think that in December 2021 we will be at 70% of the old normal, but I am not trying to count myself rich right away. Always expect the unexpected in life. I see the events of the past year as confirmation that certain things are going the way they are.

Won Yip's entrepreneurial tip: be patient. Normally in this business you make sure you are a little earlier than someone else and in this case you prefer to be a little later.

Would you also like to become a MASTERS League Member? Send your application to [email protected]