At Divino, we take pride in our team members, and today, we shine the spotlight on José Roberto Ham Choi - or Rob as you might know him. As a manager at Divino Taipei and Divino Enoteca, Rob's journey from a dishwasher to a managerial role is a testament to his dedication, passion for service, and love for creating memorable experiences.
From Dishwasher to Management: A Unique Odyssey
Rob's story is one of transformation and passion. From his early days as a dishwasher, he navigated the intricate world of the food and beverage industry, discovering his true calling. Originally on a path to medicine in Honduras, Rob redirected his journey, finding joy in the smiles of satisfied customers. "Every dish has a story, and every smile from our guests tells me I'm in the right place," says Rob.
Rob started at Divino in mid-2018 after a difficult breakup, seeking a temporary summer part-time job. Instead, he found a vibrant and dynamic environment that captivated him, leading to a full-time role. Despite his family owning a popular Chinese restaurant in Honduras, Rob had never worked there, making his journey at Divino uniquely his own.
Chef and Owner Enrico Negrini is proud of Rob’s success over the last seven years. “At Divino, what is most important is an employee’s desire to grow and belong,” said Negrini. “It doesn’t matter what your title is here. Even if you are the dishwasher, you can achieve high levels of success - and Rob’s story is a testament to that. We really believe in our employees and want to help them evolve.”
Bridging Cultures, Connecting Hearts: Multilingual Maestro
Fluent in Spanish, English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese, Rob effortlessly bridges language gaps, ensuring that every guest feels at home. His multicultural background enriches the dining experience, creating a warm connection that transcends cultural boundaries. "Language is a tool, but genuine hospitality is a universal language that everyone understands," notes Rob.
Rob's linguistic skills often surprise guests, especially given his Asian appearance. He's frequently mistaken for being Japanese or Korean, but he enjoys learning and using phrases from various languages to enhance the dining experience. "It's another way to make a dining experience unique, conversing in languages that aren’t widely spoken here," he adds.
Inspired by Change: Navigating F&B's Dynamic Landscape
Rob draws inspiration from the ever-changing landscape of the food and beverage industry. His ability to adapt to trends, embrace innovation, and create memorable experiences for guests reflects his commitment to staying ahead of the curve. "Change is the only constant in our industry, and I find excitement in the new challenges it brings. VENGA CON TODO!" shares Rob.
Camaraderie Within the Divino Family: A Source of Strength
What sets the Divino experience apart for Rob is the camaraderie within the team. He expresses gratitude for the privilege of working with every staff member, forming bonds that go beyond professional roles. The sense of unity and shared passion for excellence is the beating heart of the Divino family. "Our team is not just colleagues; we are a family. I feel lucky to work with such an amazing group of individuals," Rob emphasizes.
A Personal Touch: Rob's Love for Motorcycles and Nature in Taiwan
Beyond the restaurant, Rob is passionate about motorcycles, finding joy in the freedom of the open road. His love for the thrill of riding mirrors his dynamic approach to his role at Divino. Rob also enjoys outdoor activities and physical challenges, such as weight lifting and other outdoors or athletic competition-related events.
Rob's personal connection to Taiwan, where he pursued his university education, enhances his ability to connect with guests. "From day one until now, I have enjoyed every second living on this lovely island I consider my second home," he shares. The safety, convenience, and cultural richness of Taiwan make it a place he deeply cherishes, though he admits to missing the red beans from Honduras.
Often Mistaken for the Owner: Rob's Confident Presence
Adding a delightful twist to his tale, Rob is frequently mistaken for being the owner of Divino Enoteca due to his confident and hospitable approach to serving guests. His welcoming demeanor and commitment to excellence create an impression that leaves a lasting mark on Divino enthusiasts.
Rob might not be the owner of Divino (yet), but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an important leader in his own right. Rob's leadership style emphasizes teamwork and personal growth. He believes in pushing the cart with his team, rather than just directing them. "Leadership never comes easy. I learned that being authoritarian won’t work but being secure and experienced will hold better in a team," he explains. Rob strives to inspire and motivate his team through his actions and habits, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Memorable Moments and Favorite Dishes
Rob fondly recalls the challenges and triumphs of managing full-house reservations with a small team. These experiences, along with nights out with the staff, are among his favorite memories. When it comes to food, Rob's all-time favorite dish is Carbonara, but he also cherishes the memory of the gnocchi gorgonzola with pear, a dish created by Chef Enrico in 2018.
Parusso: Rob's Wine Persona
If Rob were an Italian wine, he'd be Parusso Metodo Classico Spumante from the Piemonte region of Italy —a choice that mirrors his vibrant personality. In his words, "There's no party without bubbles," capturing the essence of celebration and joy that Rob brings to the Divino experience.
Rob invites patrons to not only enjoy the exceptional dining experience at Divino but also to engage with him in Spanish or share stories of their travels in Latin America over a glass of wine. "Everyone is welcome to practice their Spanish with me or simply share their stories traveling in LATAM over a glass—or two," he says with a smile.
Rob Ham Choi's journey at Divino reflects a harmonious blend of passion, adaptability, and a commitment to creating exceptional moments. As a manager, Rob plays a pivotal role in shaping the unique atmosphere that defines Divino. His story is a celebration of transformation and the unwavering spirit that fuels the Divino experience.
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