Meet Alice Nguyen

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alice Nguyen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Alice , so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?

Taking risks is something that has become second nature to me, especially in the food business. When I first started 88 Banh Mi and Bowl, I knew I wanted to offer something truly special—authentic Vietnamese flavors, but with a commitment to freshness and quality that you don’t always find. Making our bread daily in-house was a huge risk. It took countless hours of trial and error to get it just right, but I believed in the vision. The same goes for introducing Halal and vegetarian options; it was a risk because it meant adapting traditional recipes, but I knew it would make our food accessible to more people.

Every decision, from crafting new menu items to expanding our offerings, comes with some level of uncertainty. But I’ve learned that you can’t grow if you’re too afraid to take a leap. The key is balancing that risk with a deep understanding of what our customers want and maintaining the quality that sets us apart. I’m proud of the risks we’ve taken because they’ve helped us build something unique that people love.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I’m Alice Nguyen, the proud owner of 88 Banh Mi and Bowl, a Vietnamese restaurant dedicated to bringing the authentic flavors of Vietnam to our community in a way that’s fresh, high-quality, and accessible to everyone. My journey into the culinary world began with a deep love for the vibrant, diverse food culture I grew up with. Vietnamese cuisine is rich with history, and I wanted to create a place where people could experience that in its truest form.

What excites me most about what we do at 88 Banh Mi and Bowl is our commitment to freshness and quality. We make our bread daily in-house, which is something I’m particularly proud of. It wasn’t easy to perfect our recipe, but the response from our customers makes it all worth it. We also offer Halal and vegetarian options, so there’s something for everyone who walks through our doors.

One of the things that set us apart is how we constantly innovate while staying true to our roots. Every Sunday, we introduce a special dish that isn’t on our regular menu. It’s a chance for us to showcase different aspects of Vietnamese cuisine and keep things exciting for our customers. We’re also in the process of expanding our menu, bringing in new flavors and dishes that I’m sure people will love.

Beyond the food, I want 88 Banh Mi and Bowl to be a place where people feel welcomed and appreciated. We’re more than just a restaurant; we’re part of the community. Whether it’s through participating in local events or simply providing a warm, inviting space for people to enjoy a meal, we’re always looking for ways to give back.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans. We’re planning to expand our offerings and potentially open another location to reach more people. We’re also exploring partnerships with local farms to source even fresher ingredients, which is something I’m very passionate about. I believe that the food we serve should be as fresh and authentic as possible, and I’m committed to making that a reality.

So, whether you’re a longtime customer or someone who’s just discovering us, I want to thank you for being part of our journey. There’s so much more to come, and I’m excited to share it with all of you.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities or skills that have been absolutely crucial in helping me build 88 Banh Mi and Bowl into what it is today: persistence, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the product and market.

Persistence: The path to success in any business is rarely a straight line. There are countless challenges and setbacks along the way. For me, persistence has been key. When we first started making our bread in-house, it took a lot of trial and error to get it right. There were times when it felt like we might never perfect it, but I knew we had to keep pushing. My advice to anyone just starting out is to embrace the grind. There will be tough days, but if you stay focused on your vision and keep pushing forward, you’ll get through them.

Adaptability: The restaurant industry is constantly changing, and being able to adapt quickly has been incredibly important. Whether it’s adjusting our menu to meet customer preferences or navigating supply chain challenges, flexibility is essential. For those early in their journey, I’d say don’t be afraid to pivot when needed. Listen to your customers, pay attention to the market, and be willing to make changes—even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

Deep Knowledge of the Product and Market: Understanding the food we serve and the people we serve it to has been a game-changer. I’ve spent years perfecting recipes, sourcing the best ingredients, and learning about what our customers love. This deep knowledge allows us to make informed decisions and offer something truly unique. My advice here is to invest time in learning every aspect of your business, from the products you offer to the needs and desires of your target market. This knowledge is your foundation, and the stronger it is, the better you’ll be able to build on it.

For anyone just starting out, I’d also say this: Be patient with yourself. Developing these skills takes time, and there will be moments when you feel like you’re not making progress. But if you stay persistent, remain adaptable, and commit to learning as much as you can, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Feeling overwhelmed is something that happens to all of us, especially when you’re juggling the many responsibilities that come with running a business. Over the years, I’ve found a few strategies that help me manage those moments when everything feels like it’s too much.

Take a Step Back: When I start to feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is take a step back. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day pressures, but sometimes you need to pause and reassess. I’ll take a short break, even if it’s just a few minutes to breathe and clear my mind. This helps me regain perspective and approach the situation more calmly.

Prioritize and Delegate: One thing I’ve learned is that I can’t do everything myself, and I don’t have to. When things start piling up, I make a list of what needs to be done and prioritize the most critical tasks. Then, I delegate what I can to my team. Trusting others and knowing when to ask for help has been a huge relief and allows me to focus on the most important things.

Stay Grounded in Your Vision: Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, I remind myself of why I started 88 Banh Mi and Bowl in the first place. Reconnecting with my original vision and passion helps me refocus and find the motivation to push through. It’s easy to get lost in the details, but keeping the bigger picture in mind can provide the clarity you need.

Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: I’ve learned that taking care of myself is essential to being able to take care of my business. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, eating well, or taking time out for a hobby, self-care is something I prioritize. When you’re well-rested and healthy, you’re better equipped to handle stress and make sound decisions.

Break Down Big Tasks: If I’m facing a particularly daunting project, I break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Tackling one small part at a time makes the overall task feel less overwhelming and helps me build momentum as I go.

My advice to others who feel overwhelmed is to remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers at once. Take things one step at a time, lean on your support system, and don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s all part of the journey, and each challenge is an opportunity to grow.

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