Today we’d like to introduce you to Hai Nguyen
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From Dreams to Reality: Vietnamese Couple Thrives with PU’ER Tea & Coffee Chain in the US.
We are Vietnamese, and a few years ago, we made the life-altering decision to leave our homeland. We left behind stable, rewarding jobs—myself as a Senior Brand Manager at QSR International with over 15 years in the food and beverage industry and my wife as a Marketing Manager at a prominent airline. The decision was not easy, but we yearned for new opportunities and a fresh start in the United States.
The prospect of starting over in a foreign land was both thrilling and daunting. We were fully aware of the challenges that lay ahead—cultural differences, establishing new networks, and the competitive job market were just a few. Yet, we were driven by the belief that with hard work and determination, we could build a promising future for ourselves and our family.
Starting a business is never easy, but inspired by my wife’s love for bubble tea, we created PU’ER Tea & Coffee in Katy, Texas. We built our store with love, bringing authentic Asian flavors to the US with high-quality cold brew tea, coffee and unique recipes. Our goal was simple: offer the best Asian taste at an affordable price so everyone could enjoy it daily.
From our humble beginnings with a small store in Katy, Texas, PU’ER has blossomed into a thriving chain with (6) six locations: five across various Texas cities and one in Arizona. And the expansion doesn’t stop there—plans are underway to open (5) five additional stores: four in Texas and one in New Jersey by next year. This is just the beginning of our ambitious journey to bring Asian cuisine to all 50 states. After all, nobody can put a limit on dreams!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Facing Challenges…
However, our journey wasn’t without challenges. We launched PU’ER Tea & Coffee at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite staying open, our revenue plummeted, and we couldn’t afford to hire staff, leading to significant losses for months. All our savings were invested in the store, and giving up was not an option. Thankfully, our family stepped in to help work at the store, reducing operational costs. I vividly remember my wife, pregnant and determined, taking care of our child and working at the store until her ninth month – she worked until just two days before giving birth. It was a tough time, but we received immense support from our customers, some of whom visited daily and even brought lovely gifts to welcome our baby. Those moments were truly sweet and unforgettable!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Overcoming Adversity…
Despite facing significant challenges, PU’ER Tea & Coffee has evolved into a cherished community hub, offering great tea, relaxation, and Vietnamese sandwiches for quick lunches. The unwavering support and positive feedback from our loyal customers and neighbors fueled our determination. Many have been with us since the beginning, some even making a 45-minute journey to visit our store. Knowing that our products resonate locally marked our initial success. Although the pandemic disrupted our plans, the encouragement from customers, friends, and family reinforced our belief that “Nothing is impossible”.
Following the challenging period, our business experienced a remarkable rebound post-COVID, with sales skyrocketing by 49% in just one year and doubling thereafter. Each of our stores now serves over 60,000 cups of tea and coffee annually. We attribute our success to our commitment and perhaps a stroke of luck, coupled with the support of our loyal customers who approached us with franchising opportunities. With renewed vigor, we are steadfast in our mission to expand PU’ER across the US, creating numerous employment opportunities as we originally envisioned.
Embracing Gratitude!
Throughout our journey, gratitude has been at our core. Despite financial constraints during our toughest times, we found meaningful ways to give back. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we expressed our gratitude by delivering our delicious sandwiches and tea to local schools, a small gesture to honor the educators who shape our community. Giving back has always been a fundamental part of our ethos, reflecting our deep-rooted commitment to the community that has steadfastly supported us.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
It seems we are on the right path to making our dream come true. Initially, we collaborated with our loyal customers on licensing, and now we are reaching out to anyone who needs support to make their dream a reality!
Unlike big brands, our mission is to find the right licensees who share a love for tea and coffee and seek support in starting their F&B ventures. With over 15 years of experience, we offer guidance to reduce the time and risks involved in building a successful store. PU’ER is not a big company, but a big family for those seeking to build a business like ours.
We invite passionate entrepreneurs to join us on this exciting journey. If you share our love for tea and coffee and are interested in becoming part of the PU’ER family, reach out to us today. Together, we are stronger, and our journey is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and shared passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://puerteacoffee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puer_teacoffee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PuerStore/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/puer-taiwan-tea-and-coffee-katy
Image Credits
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