Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Nguyen
Hi Jenny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The inspiration behind opening our coffee shop stemmed from a journey of discovery and a desire to share the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Vietnamese coffee with our community. Initially, our venture wasn’t driven by a predetermined plan to start a business; rather, it emerged from a genuine passion for exploring and supporting Vietnamese coffee culture.
During a trip to Seattle in 2022, we had the opportunity to visit several Vietnamese coffee shops in the area. These experiences left a profound impact on us, not only because of the exceptional quality of the coffee but also because of the sense of connection and pride we felt in supporting our Vietnamese community and culture. We realized that if we found such enjoyment and satisfaction in these coffee experiences, there was a strong likelihood that our local community would appreciate them as well, particularly given the robust coffee culture in Minneapolis.
We started off small in a coffee trailer at Midtown Farmers Market and Mill City Farmers Market, from there we gained a lot of traction quickly and the opportunity of a brick and mortar was presented to us. After careful consideration we decided to go big or go home! As we represent our brand, we strive to honor the legacy of Vietnamese coffee craftsmanship while also embracing innovation and creativity to create an experience that resonates with our diverse customer base. Ultimately, our coffee shop is not just a business venture; it’s a celebration of our cultural identity and a platform for sharing our passion with others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part it has been a smooth road all things considered. As an Asian-American coffee shop owner, navigating challenges like catering to diverse regional coffee preferences. Here’s how we’ve tackled this obstacle: Vietnam itself boasts a rich coffee culture with diverse styles and preferences varying across different regions. While most cups of coffee are made the same, depending on the region, they could be made slightly different with their own twist. This diversity presents both an opportunity and a challenge. We’ve addressed this by celebrating the versatility of Vietnamese coffee and offering a curated selection that represents various regional specialties. My family is from south of Saigon therefore the technique or ingredients may slightly vary in comparison to what someone had in Ha Noi. By educating our customers about the nuances of Vietnamese coffee and the stories behind each style, we’ve created an immersive experience that transcends geographical boundaries. Additionally, we’ve embraced customer feedback and adapted based on evolving tastes and preferences, ensuring that our menu remains relevant and appealing to a wide audience. Overall, our journey as an Asian-American coffee shop owner has been marked by resilience, creativity, and a deep appreciation for our cultural heritage. By staying true to our roots while embracing innovation, we’ve been able to overcome challenges and carve out a unique niche in the competitive coffee industry.
As you know, we’re big fans of Càphin Mpls. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re not your average Vietnamese coffee shop; we’re a cultural experience in every cup. Beyond the traditional ca phe sua da, we infuse our beverages with the essence of our heritage, Asian-inspired flavors, and the nostalgia of childhood memories. What distinguishes us is our choice of beans. While most U.S. coffee shops opt for Arabica beans from global origins like Colombia, Ethiopia, and Brazil, we exclusively source ours from Vietnam. Contrary to the perception of Robusta beans as inferior, we’re part of a growing movement championing Vietnam’s focus on quality over quantity. Our mission? To elevate Robusta beans to their deserved prominence.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Our community has been incredibly supportive, whether by frequenting our shop or spreading the word to friends and family. There are many ways to continue supporting us, such as sharing our social media posts, creating your own posts about us, or collaborating with other small businesses to broaden our reach. But our focus goes beyond mere transactions; we’re deeply committed to engaging with and nurturing our community, both locally in Linden Hills and within the wider coffee community. We actively seek opportunities to give back and participate in community events, recognizing that our purpose extends beyond just running a business – it’s about forging genuine connections with the wonderful people around us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caphinmpls.com
- Instagram: @caphinmpls
