Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Timeline
Generic
Wai Caj So

Wai Caj So

Hull

Summary

Results-driven and entrepreneurial, I have a proven track record in the food industry. I successfully established and grew a food business, The Orange Buffalo, transforming it from a pop-up street food stall into a multi-site, multi-format operation across the South of England. My expertise spans brand creation, product creation and development, business development, operations management, strategic planning, and team leadership. I excel at identifying market opportunities, building strong brand presence, and optimising operational efficiency to drive sales. I am passionate about delivering exceptional customer and workplace experiences and fostering a dynamic business culture.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work history

Co-Founder/ Director

The Orange Buffalo
London
05.2012 - 12.2024
  • Oversaw all aspects of business operations, marketing, and finance.
  • Responsible for the development and creation of all menu items.
  • Responsible for site selection, negotiated leases, architect and design, building control and contractor agreements for all new sites.
  • Implemented a positive customer-centric culture whilst ensuring employee development and exception food quality and service.
  • Optimised daily operations to achieve maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
  • Built and maintained strong relationships with suppliers, business partners, contributing to long-term trust and respect in the industry.
  • Initiated partnerships with likeminded brands cultivating establishing mutually beneficial collaborations for enhanced market presence and brand visibility.
  • Identified and addressed operational inefficiencies, implementing actionable improvements to support streamlined and efficient operations.
  • Facilitated training programmes to improve staff skills and knowledge base. Teach to teach.
  • Fostered a positive working environment to boost employee morale and improve staff retention.
  • Secured investment opportunities with compelling pitch presentations.
  • Optimised online presence by building and managing company website and social media accounts and integrating e-commerce solutions into the website.
  • Developed business plan to attract outside investors, securing £200K in additional capital.
  • Enforced compliance measures for adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements and standards.
  • Championed customer-centric approach, ensuring repeat business and customer loyalty.
  • Recruited and managed senior staff.
  • Streamlined service procedures for quicker customer turnaround time during peak hours.
  • Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining high standards of cleanliness and 5* hygiene ratings across all sites.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art (Painting)

Winchester School of Art
1997 - 2000

BTEC Foundation - Art And Design

West Thames College
Isleworth
1996 - 1997

Skills

  • Commercial and operational leadership
  • Entrepreneurial mindset
  • Technical proficiency
  • Business development
  • Product development
  • Brand creation and development
  • Business networking
  • Strategic campaign planning

Certification

NCASS Level 2 Food Handling

NCASS HACCP

NCASS Health & Safety in Catering

NCASS Fire Extinguisher Essentials

NCASS First Aid Training for Caterers

NCASS LPG / Gas Safety

Security Industry Authority (SIA)




KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Started the business with £6k

  • We grew the brand from a humble street food market stall to a thriving street food truck, expanding into major festivals like the Rolling Stones tour and Wingfest—where we became double winners. Our success led to securing regular corporate bookings at prestigious film studios such as George Lucas’ and Pinewood Studios. Additionally, we partnered with businesses to establish permanent concessions in Brighton and Hoxton Square proving our concept’s viability.
  • Opened our first fully licensed restaurant in Tooting and then a following two franchises Oxford Circus and Hemel Hempstead

  Established brand recognition and market share

  • Double Winners at Wingfest UK
  • 3rd Place at The National Wing Championships, Buffalo, New York
  • Appearing on BBC's Masterchef Professionals 2019 and 2021
  • Appearing on first episode of Come dine with me 'The Professionals' 2022
  • Collaborations with Youtubers The Sidemen (17million views)
  • Hosting A-List Celebrities such as Bradley Cooper, Tom Hardy, Helena Christiansen to name a few.
  • Collaborated with pop band Bastille in which we created a limited edition Hot Sauce celebrating the 10yr anniversary of their album 'Bad Blood'

Timeline

Co-Founder/ Director

The Orange Buffalo
05.2012 - 12.2024

Bachelor of Arts - Fine Art (Painting)

Winchester School of Art
1997 - 2000

BTEC Foundation - Art And Design

West Thames College
1996 - 1997
Wai Caj So