After several years of intense dedication and hard work, it became apparent that he had the skills to establish something of his own, and so he set off on a quest to land his very first takeaway premises. Borrowing money from every possible friend and family member who could help, he and his wife Sui eventually opened the doors of Mei Lai in Exmouth, in 1990. By this point there would not even be enough cash to fill a till float on the first day of trading - it was now make or break for the young Mr Choy and his family.