We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Thinh Nguyen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Thinh below.
Alright, Thinh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
One of the biggest things preached at Potluck is that everyone brings value to the table no matter how big or small. Coming from different backgrounds but a similar goal of doing good and providing for the world is what connected Tony, Francisco and I together. We always pushed ourselves and each other to be greater and prioritize our happiness and dreams. With Francisco leaving Potluck to pursue his dream of being a chiropractor, is a great example of that. We believe everyone and everything has a purpose. With us being big advocates for mental health, we always aim to make people feel seen and heard because I know thats what I would love to experience. I enjoy bonding with people and creating a connection that starts at food but goes beyond the tangible. Seeing someone and remembering the feelings and moments shared is what I enjoy that Potluck allows me to experience. And sharing that is the greatest gift to me!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Thinh but I also go by Jimmy! I was born in Houston but essentially grew up in South Carolina for majority of my life. I never knew what i wanted to do with my life for sure. I settled with being a veterinarian for the longest time until i hit college and decided that its not for me. I then bounced from school to school and switched majors from biology to business and then physics with an electrical engine concentration. During this time I would work in restaurants as a dishwasher and then a simple line cook. Nothing crazy where i would just dump things into a pot and serve. As time went on i realized school in general wasn’t it for me. Testing and everything about it was very anxiety inducing and extremely exhausting. I love learning but the competition aspect of it and the unfairness wasnt appealing to me. So once covid hit i decided that was my cue to drop out and find myself. I delved deep into mental health and learning about myself on a more intimate level while still cooking. Something i then realized was the joy that cooking brought. It allowed me an opportunity to express myself creatively and then eat it as well as share it. And so i kept learning until doors opened and i became head chef alongside starting Potluck as well. With Potluck’s core thing being multicourse menus that rotate themes every event with a unique twist thats very inclusive and intimate and fun. We always start the show with a shot which really sets the tone of relaxation and to let loose and enjoy yourselves. The goal is to always be “you” forward. Meaning we aim to treat you and take care of you and make you feel special. We have also been catering corporations and with weddings lined up as well and private dinners in peoples home. More excuses to hang out with people and create a connection! Im most proud of my business partner and who i call a brother. The things we’ve accomplished as a two man army with the help and unbelievable support from others of course. But he shows up and puts his all into everything with passion.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
For our 1 year anniversary of Potluck, I had just gotten out of a almost 4 year relationship and I was very sick as well juggling being head and Potluck was weighing heavy on me. Regardless i showed up. I was not my best at all but one thing i know about myself is that im confident i can get through anything. Some would say stubborn but to each their own. I think my trust in myself to pull through comes from my focus on mental health as well as all the adversity i experienced and survived from.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
It is still currently a side hustle but for sure my passion and main focus. A good friend Tommy introduced me to his cousin, Tony and housemate, Francisco. I had told Tommy that I would host get togethers for friends and cook them a multicourse meal. It was more of an excuse to bring my friends together and hang out. But i told him i wanted to do more and so after the introduction, we set up a meeting and the rest was history. For sure key milestones, was our first event, meeting Khailing owner of Sum Bar, and doing an event at her place. Getting in the news and doing an interview. Our first private inhome dinner. Euphoria was another big one. Theres so many that really everything is a key milestone in our development and growth.
Image Credits
Cameron Smith
Joanne Nguyen