10/28/2025
Hey friends,
Tell me which restaurant you know me from—was it Koto Japanese steak houes (permanent closed )or Manna Asian Cuisine,or Kaiju Sushi&Ramen Bar, or Smoking Monster BBQ &Sushi Bar? Two years ago, for various reasons, I chose to step back from the restaurant business and return to my family as a full-time mom. That’s why you rarely see me at the restaurant these days. And if you do spot me there, I’ll almost always have a little one by my side—my youngest daughter Harper.
For the past few months, I’ve kept hearing the same question: “Has the Manna restaurant closed down?” At first, I didn’t think much of it, but now it genuinely surprises me. Manna in Salisbury has always been open—we never closed. I’m not sure why people are saying we shut down. I truly hope competition remains fair and positive.
I’ve always enjoyed working at the restaurants. Even though it may not be my ultimate dream job, it has helped support my family in countless ways. I’ve been in the food and beverage industry since 2010, and while it’s been exhausting, it has also brought me joy—because it made me feel valued. Yes, I’ve faced failures and even thought about giving up, but life doesn’t always go the way we want.
When I first transitioned into being a full-time mom, I felt so anxious and irritable. I didn’t know how to cook—yes, I’m Asian women, but I didn’t know how to cook. As a child, I’d always watch my mom prepare meals. I wanted to help, but she never let me—she was afraid I’d make a mess of her kitchen.
During those early days, my mind was constantly split in two: one part worrying about the restaurant—whether we were busy, if orders were made correctly, if customers were satisfied—and the other part preoccupied with my kids—whether their clothes were too short, if homework was done, what supplies the school needed, pick them up and drop them off from 7:30am-7:30pm non stop.Little by little, I grew more anxious and impatient.
Now, two years have passed. I’m slowly growing into this new role, though I still worry about the restaurants . After finishing all the household chores, I often sit down at the computer to organize restaurant documents, sort through inventory, and keep track of accounts and staffs schedules.
I think many of you are like me—doing your best to keep life going while still searching for your own direction. Thank you for reading this far. There’s no one “right” way to live in this world. Let’s learn to accept our ordinary selves without giving up on our dreams and beliefs. Let’s cherish life—we’re all on our own paths. And perhaps what matters isn’t what lies at the end of the road, but the journey itself. I wish everyone I know, and even those I don’t, a life that truly feels like your own!
Best wishes,
Nicole Lin