A Leap of Faith in a City of Dreams

At just 19, with a visa about to expire and no degree in hand, Nikolai Smirnoff found himself at a crossroads. Rather than accepting defeat, he decided to take a bold leap into entrepreneurship, convinced that opening a restaurant was his ticket to remain in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

The Unexpected Entrepreneur

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Nikolai's journey took him through Japan before arriving in Hong Kong at the age of 15. It was here that he discovered a place that resonated with him, unlike the quiet suburbs where he grew up.

College: A Quick Exit

After high school, Nikolai enrolled at Portland State University to study psychology but swiftly realized that the gray skies of Oregon wouldn’t satisfy his adventurous spirit. A Christmas visit home made it clear: staying in the U.S. or furthering his college education wasn’t for him.

Building a Restaurant from Scratch

Upon returning to Hong Kong, Nikolai faced a dilemma; his mother was leaving and he needed to secure a visa. Rather than settle for a small café, he pooled his college savings and partnered with his former mentor to open Momentai, a bustling waterfront restaurant that quickly became a local favorite.

Pandemic Success and Reflection

Initially, the COVID-19 pandemic played into Nikolai’s favor; with travel restricted, Sai Kung transformed into a weekend getaway, making his restaurant a hotspot. However, the expansion to 200 seats stripped away the intimate charm he craved. His heart yearned for something smaller.

A New Culinary Adventure

In 2021, Nikolai launched Graceland in the energetic neighborhood of Mong Kok, echoing his dream of a cozy café but with a distinctly American twist. Together with his wife Ellen, whom he met while running Momentai, they breathed life into a retro-style dive bar serving hearty Southern cuisine.

The Importance of Presence

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Nikolai emphasizes the importance of being hands-on in their ventures—solving problems promptly and staying true to their vision. By distancing himself from social media, he has fostered a space for creativity to flourish.

Balancing Work and Life

Years of overexertion led to burnout, prompting him to prioritize healthier habits. This shift in lifestyle has resulted in a 30-pound weight loss and a renewed sense of creativity and consistency.

A Loving Home in Hong Kong

With ten pets and a robust community established, Nikolai and Ellen plan to continue building their lives in Hong Kong, a city that has become not just a place of business, but a true home.