Meet Herand Tahmasian

We recently connected with Herand Tahmasian and have shared our conversation below.

Herand, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from my roots, my journey, and a deep sense of purpose. I was born into a culture—Armenian—that has endured generations of hardship with grace, strength, and pride. That legacy of resilience runs in my veins. But beyond heritage, it’s the risks I’ve taken and the obstacles I’ve faced that have shaped my inner strength.

One of the most defining moments of my life was moving from London to Los Angeles just before the pandemic to pursue my dream of opening Herand’s Kitchen. The world was shutting down, and most people were pulling back—but I was pushing forward, building a restaurant in one of the most uncertain times in modern history. There were delays, financial stress, changing health regulations, and plenty of doubt. But I believed in my vision. I didn’t see the hardship as a signal to stop—I saw it as a test of how badly I wanted this.

Opening in 2021 was not just the launch of a business—it was a declaration of perseverance. When guests came in, they weren’t just eating food. They were experiencing a space built on hope, culture, and courage.

Then in 2023, I did it all over again. I sold the LA restaurant, moved to Houston to be closer to my family, and started from scratch. It was another leap of faith, another test of resilience. But I’ve learned that real strength isn’t about avoiding risks—it’s about stepping into them with conviction and creativity.

Every dish I serve is infused with the story of resilience—my own, my family’s, and my culture’s. That’s where my strength comes from: the belief that no matter the challenge, there’s always a way forward if you stay true to your purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the chef and owner of Herand’s Kitchen, a Persian-Mediterranean restaurant that’s more than just a place to eat—it’s a place where culture, memory, and flavor come together to tell a story. Every dish we serve is inspired by my Armenian roots, the Persian spices of my childhood in Iran, and the Greek traditions I’ve embraced through my wife’s heritage. It’s a deeply personal and heartfelt experience, one that reflects not only my culinary journey but my life’s story.

What makes Herand’s Kitchen special is that it’s rooted in authenticity. We don’t just serve food—we serve memories. Our koubideh is a tribute to the meals that brought my family together. Our souvlaki wrap is a nod to the joyful fusion of two cultures in my own home. Every recipe is crafted with care, every plate meant to evoke warmth, connection, and tradition.

What excites me most is the opportunity to bring people together through food—to create a space where they can feel seen, nourished, and inspired. In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Herand’s Kitchen offers a pause—a moment to slow down, savor, and connect.

We recently expanded to Houston, Texas after moving from Los Angeles, and I’m thrilled to be bringing our flavors and philosophy to a new community. Our new location is in the Heights area, and we’re excited to welcome both longtime supporters and new guests to experience the stories behind our dishes. We’re also planning a series of community dinners and chef’s table nights where I can cook personally for guests and share the background of each course, just like we would at the family table.

My dream is to continue building a brand that honors where I come from while reaching forward to where we’re going. Whether you’re dining in with us or simply hearing our story, I hope you feel the heart behind Herand’s Kitchen—because for me, this has never just been about food. It’s always been about love, legacy, and bringing people together.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Resilience:
Opening a restaurant during the height of a global pandemic, moving cities, starting from scratch—none of that was easy. But resilience helped me push through uncertainty and setbacks. For those just starting out, I’d say: expect challenges, but don’t let them define you. Resilience doesn’t mean you never feel fear—it means you move forward in spite of it. Build it by staying close to your “why,” and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision.

2. Resourcefulness:
When I started Herand’s Kitchen, I didn’t have investors or a safety net. I had years of savings from car sales, kitchen jobs, and hustle. I had to make every dollar count and every decision matter. Whether it was managing a tight budget or adapting to ever-changing health regulations, resourcefulness was key. My advice: learn how to do as much as you can yourself in the early days—every skill, from marketing to inventory management, becomes part of your toolbox.

3. Deep Cultural Connection:
What truly sets Herand’s Kitchen apart is that it’s not just food—it’s my story, my family’s traditions, and the blending of the cultures that shaped me. That authenticity resonates with people. If you’re building a brand, dig deep into who you are and what matters most to you. That’s where your unique voice and value lie. People connect with real stories—and yours is your greatest asset.

For anyone starting their journey: stay committed, stay curious, and stay true to who you are. Success doesn’t come overnight, but with consistency and heart, it does come. Let your story fuel your journey.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

The heart of everything I do is my family—especially my wife, my son, and now, my grandchildren. They are my greatest source of strength, motivation, and joy.

My wife has been my constant support and the soul of our journey. Her belief in me never wavers, even when the road gets tough. She’s brought not only love into my life but a deep sense of purpose. Her Greek heritage and incredible warmth have helped shape the hospitality and spirit of Herand’s Kitchen. Her presence reminds me why I do what I do—why creating a place that feels like home matters so much.

My son has been a true pillar in my journey. Moving to Houston to be closer to him wasn’t just a personal decision—it was a new chapter filled with renewed purpose. His support has been invaluable. He’s helped me see each challenge through a new lens and encourages me to keep growing, even at this stage in life. His pride in my work drives me forward every single day.

And now, my grandchildren—especially my little granddaughter—have added a whole new layer of meaning to everything I do. They are my legacy. When I cook, when I create, when I open the doors to Herand’s Kitchen, I’m thinking about the future I want to build for them. I want them to know where they come from, to feel proud of our culture, and to understand the power of hard work, love, and resilience.

My family is my why. They’ve given me the courage to take risks, the strength to endure, and the joy that makes all of this worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.herandskitchen.com
• Instagram: @herandskitchen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Herands-Kitchen/100090558559526/
• Yelp: https://www.facebook.com/people/Herands-Kitchen/100090558559526/

Image Credits

Herand’s Kitchen