Innovation

When Danny came up with the innovation of the zoodle, he had recently had an experience with a customer who had an allergy to gluten. He always wanted to incorporate a gluten-free option in his menu, and this was the perfect opportunity. Zoodles are zucchini lo mein noodles. This often can be compared to the standard carb noodle, the lo mein noodle. The lo mein noodle, however is made of wheat, and is not safe for a person who has an allergy to gluten. The sauce accompanying lo mein is also not safe because it has a soy sauce base, which contains gluten. Danny thought: "I need to come up with a sauce, as well as an actual dish to serve the gluten-free crowd." He did just that, and ever since, he has offered this healthy noodle option, his business has profited much more, along with the health of his customers.

He takes the fresh zucchini and spirals it into noodles to create the dish. It is both healthy and refreshing. People often come to the restaurant to ask for healthy options, and this is always the go-to suggestion for someone looking to shed a few pounds. So far, the zoodle has proven very popular.

Inspiration

Danny was inspired by a customer who approached him one day at the store. A woman was looking for a gluten free-option and something healthy. Danny knew that he needed to create something that would please her and others like her, but also all the customers in the area who are looking to eat better, and want to stay away from unhealthier options. He says: "I felt bad for this specific customer because I started to realize all the different dietary restrictions that people have, that don't allow them to eat out." He was determined to change this by using clean water and also making sure his restaurant is spotless clean at all times. Cleanliness is a large part of how he makes his business run, and he trains all his employees to be just this way. This is another way he benefits the environment, and chooses to act in ways that will further better impact the community around him.

He also worked for many people throughout his career, he says, that did not display these good acts that will further help and improve the lives of people around him. He wanted to change the way society views Chinese food by enacting certain rules and guidelines for the employees who work for him to follow. He has centered his focus on the health of his customers, and accommodating those with dietary restrictions and allergies. He does not want anyone to not be able to order something they want from his restaurant. This may involve creating it, but even so, he is willing to put in all the hard work to do so.

Overall impact

Danny's innovation has been a great success for his small take-out restaurant. Danny explained that sales have skyrocketed since the creation of zoodles as well as the other healthier options he has incorporated into his menu. Zoodles have been a hit with people on Weight Watchers, and Danny often hears customers talking about how much weight he/she has lost, just by ordering something healthy and delicious from a Chinese take-out place. The long-term effect that this innovation has had on his business has been to generate new customers. He loves hearing about the success stories and how satisfied his customers are after eating zoodles.

Overall, Danny's zoodle has improved his capacity as both a business owner and a leader. He wants to put the customer's needs and wants first, as well as their well being. He is an advocate for being aware of what you put inside your body, and being health conscious. He wants to spread this to the community and instill healthy choices for his customers and anyone who walks through the door of his restaurant.

Business benefit

Since the creation of Zoodles, revenue has risen about 20% and the innovation has been a leading cause of the increased success in the restaurant. He has hired more employees since he created the Zoodle back in 2014, and thanks to his innovation he owns one of the most successful Chinese restaurants on Long Island. Danny even says, people from all over Long Island call to ask about healthy options and "what are the zoodles I keep hearing about?"

The amount of calls Danny receives from new customers inquiring about zoodles or about options to help them lose weight, is difficult for him to keep track of. As a result of the innovation, Danny has been thinking of new options to attract even more customers, and raise revenues further. The restaurant receives many people who have either just finished at the gym, or just finished spin class at the studio next door. His goal is to make his menu completely beneficial to the well-being of everyone. While there will always be your standard menu items, Danny wishes to expand more and more, aiming to eventually open his take-out in multiple locations, selling zoodles everywhere across the country.

Social and environmental benefit

This innovation benefits society because it allows people to choose something that improves their health and overall well-being. The creation of the zoodle will lead to other innovations that will hopefully bring options to the menu that every person will want to order. As a result, no one will say: "Nothing on the menu appeals to me, I'll order something else."

With well washed and fresh vegetables, Danny's Chinese Kitchen strives to be the healthiest food option in town. To make this dish, the chefs do not use harsh, unhealthy oils to cook it, but rather they use fresh water, and fresh ingredients to make the dish so flavorful. People who order this dish will come to find that they will feel better because they know how their food is being prepared, and they know what exactly is going into it. This will leave a lasting impact on every customer who walks in.

Interview

Daniel Antin, Owner