We’re looking forward to introducing you to Renda Hoang. Check out our conversation below.
Renda, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are my favorite—it’s the calm before the storm. We homeschool three of our kids (ages 15, 11, and 6), so once they’re up, the house is full of energy. But before that, I get a little window of peace. My mornings start with brewing a pot of coffee, then walking and feeding our four Frenchies, giving them some playtime, and finally sitting down with my coffee in complete silence. My kids usually wake up around 10 a.m., so until then it’s just me, my coffee, and quiet. After that, the chaos begins—and honestly, I love it. I soak it all in and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Renda Hoang, and together with my husband, Tam, we’re the founders of Toast, a vibrant breakfast and brunch restaurant in Sugar Land, Texas. Our journey started in 2013 with a small gourmet donut shop that grew into Toast in 2019, a place where family, food, and creativity come together.
What makes Toast unique is the balance of comfort and creativity—from classics like pancakes and country fried steak to playful, unexpected dishes like Vietnamese steak and eggs, chili oil eggs, croissant donuts, and colorful cocktails. Our restaurant is designed to be both family-friendly and Instagram-worthy, making it a spot where generations connect and memories are made.
Beyond Toast, Tam and I are passionate about entrepreneurship and family life. We homeschool our kids, which allows us to weave learning, creativity, and business into our daily lives. We’re now working on expanding Toast through franchising, giving other families and entrepreneurs the chance to share in the concept we built.
At the heart of it all, we’re a husband-and-wife team who believe in hard work, family, and the idea that food is more than a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I’d say my work ethic comes from growing up watching my immigrant family. I saw firsthand how hard they had to work to build a life here, and that shaped me into who I am today. I was never the kid who said, “I want to be a doctor.” From a young age, I knew I wanted to be independent, to do things my own way, and to be my own boss.
But the person who truly inspires me every day is my husband, Tam. He’s one of the hardest workers I know and has put in countless hours to make Toast successful. We really do make a great team—he balances me in so many ways and continues to amaze me with his drive, his discipline, and the way he always does his due diligence to make sure our family is supported.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—during Covid, we almost gave up. We had just opened Toast in July 2019, and six months later the world shut down. At that point, we were still trying to build our brand; hardly anyone even knew about us yet. When the shutdowns happened, we had to lay off our entire staff, and it was just my husband and I running everything. Most days, we were lucky to make $20 in takeout orders since dine-in wasn’t allowed. It was awful—we had poured our entire life savings into Toast, and because we were so new, we didn’t qualify for government assistance since they required two years of tax returns.
It was one of the hardest times of our lives, but with the grace of God, we made it through. We had to rethink everything, especially our marketing strategy, and that shift is what put us on the map. Social media became our lifeline, and we will always be grateful for how it helped us survive and eventually grow.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Honestly, I think that’s kind of a funny question. What people see of me in public is just a small glimpse—it’s never the whole picture. The real me is fun, loving, and a little silly. I’m the mom who chases her kids around the house making crazy sounds, dancing and singing just to make them laugh. I love to cook, and I love being playful with my family. When I love, I love deeply—I give my all to the people and things I care about. I’m also forgiving, caring, and always willing to help where I can. The people who really know me see that side, and that’s when they understand who I truly am.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Honestly, the only story I truly care about is the one my kids will tell about me when I’m gone. I hope they remember how deeply I loved them, how hard I worked to raise them, guide them, and be their safe place. I want them to think of me not just as their mom, but as their mentor—the one who taught them to believe in themselves, to dream big, and to always work hard while staying kind.
On a broader level, I hope people remember that with Toast, Tam and I built more than a restaurant—we built a space where families and communities could come together. I want my story to be one of love, resilience, and creating opportunities for others.
If I’m remembered for loving deeply, working hard, and leaving both a strong family and a lasting impact on the community, then that’s enough for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toastsugarland@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toastsugarland?igsh=aDBzeTA3Y3M2d2dt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toastsugarland/
