S01: Expanding Your Business and Living Up to Expectations with Linh Nguyen

Linh Nguyen is the owner and operator of Âu Lạc. A plant based restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. But this is actually the second Âu Lạc location. In 1997 Linh’s mother Mai Nguyen began operating Âu Lạc in Fountain Valley with a special mission in mind. Her experience in overcoming serious illness with a plant-based diet fueled her desire to promote healthy eating to her community. Driven by her passion for good food and good health, she put a plant-based twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine. And although their menu began with traditional Vietnamese cuisine, it has grown to include more dishes and flavors to accommodate every diet.

Linh grew up living with her mother Mai while she was just starting her new restaurant in 1997. At a young age Linh grew fond of the restaurant business and what her mother was trying to accomplish with her food in the community. She began working at the original Âu Lạc location and quickly had ambitions that went outside of Fountain Valley. Eventually the decision was made to open a new location in the heart of Los Angeles.

Although Linh knew that starting a new location wouldn't be easy, the success of the first location was always something that made the decision seem like a smart one. But with original success comes additional pressure, and the expectations needed to be adjusted at times. Right after launch expectations were certainly not being met. It was hard for Linh not to have serious doubts about all the time, energy, and money that was on the line. But when you know you have a winning formula all you can do is have persistence. That is what got her through the tough times, and it will continue to be a key to success moving forward.

 

Find Linh and Au Lac Online:

Website - http://www.aulac.com/

Facebook - @aulacrestaurant

Instagram - @aulacrestaurant

Twitter - @aulacrestaurant

 

Some Questions I Ask:

What were the struggles of your mom starting a restaurant when you were young? When did you start to play a bigger role in the restaurant business? How do you know you’re ready for a second business location? Was it easier to get customers in the door because you already had a first location? How have you been able to get the community to rally around your business and gain exposure?

 

In This Episode, You Will Learn About:

Plant based benefits Starting trends Creating two business locations Trusting in the process and not giving up after missed expectations Being flexible and adjusting your plan as things change

 

Music Composed by John Zarcone