With his income as a ViuTV artiste dwindling because of the effects COVID-19 has had on the showbiz industry, Evergreen, who has two children, Shannon, 21 and Wayne, 17, with Allison, his wife of 17 years, decided that he needed to diversify his income sources. And so he has set up a shop selling Wagyu beef in the Taihang neighbourhood. Named Wagyu Pro, the shop takes up one unit on the ground floor, and is run day-to-day by Evergreen, Allison and Shannon.

“I started preparations to open the store three months ago," said Evergreen to the Hongkong media. "Most importantly, my friend who owns a restaurant helped to link me up [with a supplier], and suggested that I bring in premium Japanese beef.” 

He also shared that his daughter is currently unable to return to Australia for university due to stricter measures surrounding international students, and so she is now helping her dad with the brand's marketing. She also edits video clips of Evergreen giving cooking tips on Wagyu Pro’s social media accounts.

 Evergreen mused, “Since the pandemic struck, people are used to staying at home and don’t eat out as often. Everyone is also more conscious about cleanliness and prefer to eat at home. I’ve also picked up some simple cooking tips to share with everyone. The Japanese style of cooking is relatively easy, and yet it’s delicious. Everyone can be a chef if you have quality ingredients [like mine].”

Although he refused to reveal exact figures, the actor shared that he and his friend have sunk in a seven-figure sum (HK$1mil is at least S$178K). He also expressed his gratitude towards his landlord, whom he said has been “very nice and reasonable about the unit's rent. Despite the floods that have recently hit Japan, Evergreen says his stocks are unlikely to be affected as he imported a good amount of Wagyu before the rains started.

When asked about the timing of the store’s opening, he would only say this: “There are always opportunities even in the midst of a crisis. We have to try to find a way out no matter what.”

Photos: PBE Media, Wagyu Pro's Instagram