Seak and Tee (Papamoa)

Welcome to our latest St. Pierre’s partner feature!

Today we’re in Papamoa, near Tauranga, visiting Seak Lim and Rithy Cheer (Tee). They’re partners in life and the Papamoa shop, and they have a fascinating story! Originally from Cambodia, they have been in NZ for many years, and had a long career at St. Pierre’s!

Seak began at Whangaparāoa shop in 2016. Store partner Nobu was very supportive of new staff short on experience but big on ambition, as she recalls:

“Most places ask why you left your last job or what experience you have. Instead, Yasuko was mainly interested in my attitude and how much I wanted to learn. I didn’t speak much English then, so I guess my enthusiasm showed through! We’re very glad that Nobu looked forward not back, saying ‘just bring your energy, we’ll train you up.’ It was a great start to my career here.”

“It was hard work. We were short of staff so I often did sushi kitchen work in the morning and afternoon before bento in the evening. But I quickly learned the business and saw how good the partnership opportunity is.”

Seak worked her way up at Whangaparāoa before moving to Grange Warkworth to become assistant sushi manager, and then manager of K Road shop from February 2021. Being just around the corner from the old head office, Seak got to know many office staff, who remember her cheerful, positive attitude, whatever challenges came her way.

Tee started at Silverdale with shop partner Shinya in 2018. He soon understood why Seak had bought into the partnership concept, and wanted to aim for a partnership as a couple. Before long, Tee became Whangaparāoa sushi assistant manager and then bento manager. He then took charge of Ponsonby bento when it opened in May 2021. That experience prepared him well for the challenges in Papamoa!

Tee recalls that the move was quite a rush, saying

“we moved to the Bay of Plenty around three weeks before opening, which didn’t leave much time for recruitment and training, let alone ordering stock, cleaning and everything else. But we managed it thanks to our new team, who all learned really fast.”

The staff responded to Tee and Seak’s training methods, which include working closely with new staff to identify tasks they learn quickly and what they need more help with, rotating staff after a few days so they understand how the whole shop works and how each person’s work affects others, and setting clear rules and planning daily production. The latter is particularly important to avoiding any confusion about how much of which ingredients to prepare, helping the shop run smoothly.

Seak also credits another huge influence – family.

Another huge help was Tee’s parents. Our kids stayed on in Auckland with them for a while until we bought a house in Papamoa, and it was such a relief once the shop had settled down and we could reunite as a family. The kids are very active at school and in sports, which has also helped us to get to know many community members in a short time.”

There is another member of the St. Pierre’s family who was a strong, positive influence – Shinya. Tee recalled that:

“Shinya treated his staff just like family. If we needed something, he always helped, and in turn we were always motivated each day. Shinya created a friendly, positive atmosphere in the shop, and I tried to recreate that in shops I’ve managed.”

Interestingly, Tee has also got to know staff in many other parts of the country – he is well-known for putting his hand up to help with shop openings!

“Before the Papamoa move I helped at Whangārei and Ormiston. Partners Michelle and Lina were very open with opinions and advice, reinforcing my belief that the partnership opportunity was best for Seak and I. Staff came from all over the North Island to help open our shop, so I wanted to repay those favours. That chance came with helping the Nelson bento opening in late 2022. Right from my first manager, Shinya, everyone at St. Pierre’s has always been so supportive, and I wanted to give back.”

Seak and Tee are proud of their journey and achievements, but there is still plenty more to come. At St. Pierre’s, we’re proud to have amazing people like them on our team! Next time you’re in the Bay of Plenty, drop by to say hi – and here’s to everyone across the St. Pierre’s Group aiming high!