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

DENISE, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

In 2010, amidst the challenges of an economic downturn, I took a significant leap of faith by accepting my aunt’s offer to run a restaurant. Leaving my stable corporate job felt risky, but the opportunity to create a space serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine—dishes I cherished from my childhood—was irresistible. I made the best decision I ever made with my mother, placing her as the head chef, ensuring our menu reflected the flavors and traditions that were hard to find elsewhere. Together, we crafted a mom-and-daughter venture, blending our passion for food with the warmth of family, all while navigating the uncertainties of the market. This bold decision not only fulfilled a personal dream but also allowed us to share the rich culinary heritage that shaped my upbringing.

DENISE, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a passionate entrepreneur and chef, deeply rooted in my Vietnamese heritage. My journey into the restaurant industry began in 2010 when I took a bold step away from a stable corporate job to embrace my dream of sharing authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With my mother as the head chef, our restaurant has become a mom-and-daughter venture, focusing on traditional recipes that evoke the flavors of my childhood.

We offer a menu brimming with beloved dishes that are often hard to find, providing a comforting taste of home for our customers. By prioritizing authenticity and quality, we solve the problem of limited access to genuine Vietnamese food in our community.

What sets us apart is our personal touch and commitment to preserving cultural traditions. We believe that food is not just sustenance; it’s a way to connect with our roots and share our story. I’m most proud of the warm, welcoming atmosphere we’ve created, where every guest feels like family.

I want potential clients and followers to know that our restaurant isn’t just about dining; it’s about celebrating heritage, community, and the love of family cooking. We invite everyone to experience a piece of Vietnam through our dishes and to join us on this culinary journey.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The book that influences my everyday decisions is “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” by Patrick Lencioni. My former boss introduced me to this insightful read, and he played a pivotal role in helping me think outside the box and effectively lead a team. I truly owe much of my leadership growth to both him and this book.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Creating a positive work environment and treating my team like family has really worked for me as a small business owner. Since I run a smaller operation, it’s much easier to build strong relationships and keep communication open. When everyone feels valued and supported, it boosts morale and keeps the team engaged and productive. It feels less like going to “work” and more like hanging out with friends, which makes a huge difference. This family vibe not only makes our days more enjoyable but also strengthens our overall dynamic, turning our workplace into a fun and motivating space.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tayhooakland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tayhooakland
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tayhooakland