Andie Chen Gets Real About Mental And Physical Toll Of His New F&B Leadership Role

When local actor Andie Chen stepped into his role as Chief Marketing Officer of F&B group Creative Eateries, which he and his two brothers acquired last year, he knew it wouldn’t be easy.

What he didn’t expect was just how intense the transition would be.

“I haven’t grown this fast in a long time,” the 40-year-old told 8world, admitting the steep learning curve has also brought its fair share of pressure.

Andie, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the upcoming Star Awards for Fixing Fate, has spent the past six months navigating an entirely different stage.

Parachuted straight into the group’s top leadership, he found himself diving into unfamiliar territory, from data analysis and market strategy to fundraising.

There’s been little time to ease into the role. His days are packed with meetings, menu tastings, discussions with chefs, and reviewing customer feedback, often leaving him exhausted by the time he gets home.

Unlike his brothers, who each bring years of experience, Andie describes himself as the only “paratrooper”, stepping straight into senior management.

With no time for formal training, he has had to learn everything on the fly — and fast.

“The best learning is on the job,” he said, adding that sitting in high-level meetings has helped him quickly grasp how decisions are made.

And while the CMO title may sound glamorous, the reality is far from it.

He described it as being more like a “servant” to the team, constantly working to optimise systems while ensuring each team can perform at its best.

The group currently overseas 13 brands, including restaurants Bangkok Jam, Suki-Ya and Typhoon Café, as well as two catering arms.

The rapid learning curve has come at a cost.

Andie admitted the high-pressure role has taken a toll on both his mental and physical well-being, with moments where he feels very tired and frustrated, even as he experiences a strong sense of fulfilment

That mix of emotions has been oddly familiar.

“It took me five years before I dared to call myself an actor. Now, in the F&B business, I remind myself to give myself time and space to grow into a restaurateur,” he said.

These days, weekends are his only chance to slow down, reflect and work through problems.

He’s also trying to maintain a routine and take care of his health, though he joked that frequent food tastings mean he hasn’t lost any weight.

The biggest sacrifice has been time with his family.

With his wife, actress Kate Pang, and their children, Aden, 12, and Avery, 10, based in Taipei, Andie shared that their calls have become less frequent and some nights can feel a little lonely.

Still, they remain close and reunite whenever possible.

But there’s also some dad guilt.

These days, Andie admits he sometimes makes up for his absence by buying things for his kids, including a recent splurge on a big, high-end Tamagotchi.

Despite the distance, he finds comfort in the foundation they’ve built.

“I’m thankful I spent time with them before this,” he says. “There’s trust there, so even if I’m not around as much now, they still feel a sense of security.”

He’s especially grateful to Kate, who has taken on most of the responsibilities at home while he focuses on the business.

Even as he throws himself into the F&B industry, Andie isn’t stepping away from acting.

He will continue to take on at least one project a year, and will be flying back to Taiwan this month to shoot a new drama.