We recently connected with Peter Nguyen and have shared our conversation below.

Peter, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success takes a lot of understanding of what actions are needed to achieve your goals. Also, not being too fixed on the end goal but defining those steps needed to be taken along the way. It takes discipline, work ethic, and determination. Along my journey, it took a lot of sacrifice to get to where I am. I missed birthdays, weddings, etc. I went into survival mode and had tunnel vision when it came to my business. I knew that the time I gave up early on in life would lead me to enjoying the fruits of my labor in the future.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Peter Nguyen, a second-generation Vietnamese American and the proud owner of Banh Mi Boys, a Vietnamese fusion sandwich shop. My journey into the culinary world started with me being a self-taught cook, inspired by the cooking shows I grew up watching. I always had a passion for trying different recipes and exploring various cuisines from scratch.

Banh Mi Boys is more than just a restaurant to me; it’s a vision to bring the flavors of Southern and Asian cuisines into the spotlight. Growing up surrounded by these tastes, I wanted to showcase the rich and vibrant experiences I had with them. Our menu is a celebration of those southern and Asian flavors that have a special place in my heart.

At the heart of it all, I want my restaurant to be a place where foodies can come together to enjoy not just delicious and unique banh mi sandwiches but also a fun and aesthetic food experience. We go beyond the ordinary, making sure our dishes pop for pictures, presenting a burst of textures and vibrant colors that are not just a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

My advice to those who share a similar journey is to stay motivated and maintain a strong mindset. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges along the way, and being a quick problem solver has been key to keeping things on an onward trajectory. I believe that if you have the ambition and drive, you can achieve big things, just like an average person like me did.

Ultimately, Banh Mi Boys is my way of contributing to making Vietnamese cuisine more known and appreciated. I want people to see what I’ve done and realize that they, too, can turn their thoughts of achieving something big into reality. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the journey and the belief that anyone can make their mark with passion and determination.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Turning my restaurant into a franchise was a pivotal moment for me. The decision stemmed from the business gaining a substantial nationwide following and catching significant attention. I saw an opportunity to reach new heights and envisioned a broader scope for the brand. Embracing this challenge meant moving into a different tier of business operations, where I transitioned from enjoying the labor of being a chef to managing multiple businesses and business owners.

The expansion brought about its own set of challenges. Managing new staff in different areas and ensuring that they met the high standards of my restaurant became a primary focus. I found satisfaction in tackling these challenges head-on, leveraging my love for experiencing new scenarios and accomplishing new goals.

One of the key hurdles was maintaining consistency across multiple locations. Training people to meet my restaurant’s standards was crucial, and I had to develop effective strategies to ensure that the brand’s essence remained intact.

Despite the shift in my role, I saw this pivot as an opportunity to seize the business’s full potential. The nationwide attention provided a platform for a new vision, and I am determined to make the most of it. The journey involves not just managing restaurants but creating a network of businesses across different cities and states.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Having graduated in business marketing, I leveraged my understanding of marketing principles and studied social media and advertising strategies. Recognizing the importance of creating a strong social media presence, I stayed up-to-date with trends on platforms. This involved not only posting beautiful pictures of my food but also incorporating funny and relatable memes into my content.

My focus was on making my content relevant to current social media trends, ensuring that it resonated with the audience. I understood the power of visually appealing content, especially showcasing unique dishes that would generate word-of-mouth among consumers.

By staying in tune with social media trends and maintaining a balance between visually enticing food pictures and relatable memes, I successfully built an engaged audience on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bmbsandwiches.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banh.mi.boys/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BanhMiBoysSandwiches
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/banh-mi-boys-metairie

Image Credits
Claire Fontana of Freret Napoleon