March 6, 2024
by ed brennen
An orange flag with a fork silhouette on it is the only sign you see outside. FORK Included is an Asian fusion restaurant located on University Avenue at the edge of north campus.
That's because when Vidon Picci and his wife, Chinda, started FORK three years ago, it was intended to be a ghost kitchen, an establishment that only served takeout and catering orders.
UML students learned about FORK through word of mouth and began texting Pich orders for bulgogi bowls, pad thai, and drunkards. Over time, Pich says 80% of his business came from his UML students.
So, with the help of several people, Manning Business School With the help of students and a $60,000 economic recovery grant from the city of Lowell, Pich decided to restart FORK Included as a traditional sit-down restaurant.
Image by Ed Brennen
Origami cranes hang in front of the Massachusetts Lowell School flag in the back hallway of the restaurant.
“When students walk in, we want to create an atmosphere that feels like they've come home,” Pich said after cutting the ribbon at the restaurant's recent grand reopening ceremony. Guests enjoyed complimentary food and admired the bold colors of the renovated space. A canopy of pink silk flowers on the window.
Among those in attendance were members of Mill City Consulting, a student-run venture that supports local businesses. This is part of his three-credit course, Internship in Entrepreneurship, which gives students hands-on experience assessing small business goals and challenges and developing strategies to improve a company's bottom line.
This spring, six Mill City Consulting students are assisting Pich with social media marketing, website improvements, and general operations management. They will begin by disseminating information about the reopening and will continue to meet with Mr. Pich throughout the semester to assess his business needs.
Image by Ed Brennen
Mill City Consulting students were on hand as FORK Included owner Vidon Picci cut the ribbon on the renovated restaurant.
“Students love this place,” said Abhijay Ghosh, a senior business major who has been coming to FORK once a week for fried rice and chicken for the past two years.
Ghosh, an accounting and management information systems student from Washington, D.C., said, “I like having an impact in my community with what I'm studying in school. I want to see all local businesses become better.'' ” he said.
Standing in the back hallway of the restaurant, MBA student Chioke Onwugo admired the Lowell College flag hanging on a wall surrounded by more than 100 origami cranes. All were folded by members of the Pitch family.
“It feels like a home and a place where I can relax while doing homework and having a snack,” said the 20-year-old, who earned her bachelor's degree in business administration in December and is doing an entrepreneurship internship along with an online MBA course this semester. Onwuogo, who is also taking the course, said.
Image by Ed Brennen
Senior business major Anirban Dasgupta (right) chats with Lowell City Council Vice President Paul Latha Yem at the reopening ceremony. Mr. Dasgupta is joining Mir City for his consulting in the third semester – this time as an advisor.
“This course gives you a one-on-one business relationship experience, which is helpful for anyone who wants to be their own entrepreneur one day,” said the Massachusetts-based student, who starts working this month as a market intelligence representative for SimilarWeb. said Onwugo, a Peabody native. Data software company.
Another team member, Daniel Oluwasuyi, a finance junior and MIS student from Lynn, Massachusetts, took the course to “improve his problem-solving and analytical skills while contributing to the community at the same time.” He said he was doing it.
Other students in courses taught by part-time faculty Daniele Paravano ’17, ’18 works with Perfect Cup Café, a recently opened coffee shop in Dracut, Massachusetts.
Image by Ed Brennen
Avijay Ghosh of Mill City Consulting looks at a framed certificate presented by city officials to FORK Included owner Vidon Pich.
“I love when people take a big step to start something on their own. I'm really happy to be able to help them,” Junior said. computer science Major Sonakshi Gupta. from Dracut and is part of the Perfect Cup consulting team.
Gupta said taking an internship in the entrepreneurship course allows him to explore interests outside of his computer science major.
At FORK Included's reopening ceremony, which was attended by Lowell City Council Vice President Paul Rasa Yem and the state government, she said, “I want to work with like-minded people who have the same aspirations as me and be a part of the community.'' It's fun to feel that way.” Rep. Vanna Howard.
Image by Ed Brennen
A spice rack adorns the serving station at FORK Included, which has been closed for nearly two months for renovations.
Pich was born in Cambodia, raised in Boston, and has called Lowell home for the past 20 years. He used his $60,000 grant from the city to upgrade FORK's kitchen equipment. He and his wife plan to start a nonprofit organization and donate “at least 200 meals a month” to the community.
He plans to meet weekly with Mill City Consulting students this spring and watch their final presentations in class at the end of the semester.
“They're really good. They have a vision and I buy into it,” he said in the renovated restaurant's crowded six-table dining area.
He said the second phase of the renovation will include installing TVs on the walls and signage outside.
