Meet Hoa Nguyen | Entrepreneur / Restaurant Owner / Mycologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hoa Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hoa, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it.” – Alexander Graham Bell

It suggests that there is a special kind of power that arises when you have absolute clarity and determination. Bell doesn’t claim to fully understand this power, but he acknowledges that it exists. The key point is that this power becomes accessible when you are completely certain about your goals and unwavering in your resolve to achieve them.

1. Clarity of Purpose: You need to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Whether it’s a career goal, personal development, or a creative endeavor, being specific about your desires helps direct your energy and actions toward success.

2. Unwavering Determination: Success doesn’t come easily; it requires persistence. There may be obstacles or moments of doubt, but the quote encourages you to stay focused and keep going, no matter how hard things get. When you’re truly determined, you’re more likely to tap into that hidden strength that helps you overcome challenges.

3. Harnessing Potential: The “power” Bell speaks of could be the flow of motivation, creativity, or even a deeper sense of purpose that only emerges when you’re in the right mental and emotional state. It’s about tapping into your fullest potential when you’re driven by a clear goal and refuse to quit until you reach it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My Journey to Opening The Asian Bistro

Growing up, I always had a deep love for the concept of family dinners—those warm, lively gatherings where food brought people together and love and laughter filled the air. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the experience, the connections, and the sense of belonging. That feeling stayed with me as I got older, shaping my vision for what I wanted to create one day: a place where people could come together to share not just a meal, but memories.

My journey into the restaurant business started in a very humble way. My first introduction to the world of hospitality was as a server at **The Asian Bistro**, a local restaurant that became my first true love in the industry. It was there that I learned the ropes of restaurant service, understood the importance of creating an inviting atmosphere, and realized just how powerful food can be in connecting people. At the same time, I was balancing a full-time sales rep job at AIG, working long hours to build a better future for myself.

Despite the demanding nature of my two jobs, I never lost sight of my dream. I worked tirelessly for three years, dedicating every spare moment to saving money and learning everything I could about running a restaurant. I was driven by the vision of creating a space where families could come together, celebrate life’s small moments, and enjoy a meal in a setting that felt like home.

In those three years, I also forged a relationship with **Patty**, the previous owner of The Asian Bistro, who became both a mentor and a friend. Patty taught me everything—from how to manage a kitchen to how to ensure every guest leaves with a smile. It was under her guidance that I truly understood the essence of what it takes to create not just a successful restaurant, but a welcoming environment that feels like family. When the opportunity came for me to buy the restaurant from Patty, I knew it was the moment I had been working toward.

With my savings, hard work, and a clear vision, I became the proud owner of **The Asian Bistro**, my first restaurant. It was both exhilarating and humbling, knowing that the place I had once worked in would now be my own—a space where I could bring my dreams to life and offer others the kind of experience that I had always cherished.

Owning The Asian Bistro means so much more to me than just running a business. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to something I believe in deeply: creating a place where people can come together and make memories over great food. It’s about fostering that sense of community and belonging that I’ve always associated with family dinners. Every time a guest walks through the door, it feels like they’re part of that extended family.

Looking back, my journey to becoming a restaurant owner wasn’t easy, but it was worth every sacrifice. The journey taught me the value of patience, resilience, and the importance of following your passion. The Asian Bistro is not just a restaurant to me; it’s a reflection of my dreams, my values, and the love and dedication I want to share with my community.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Asian Bistro is the go-to destination for anyone looking for delicious, authentic Asian cuisine, a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, and the convenience of late-night dining. Whether you’re visiting for a family dinner, a late-night bite, or just to relax with friends, we promise you’ll always feel at home and leave satisfied. Come for the food, stay for the experience—The Asian Bistro is more than just a restaurant; it’s a place where memories are made.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The day I lost my best friend, Troy Le, changed my life forever. It was a regular beautiful sunny afternoon in San Diego’s State Beach, a day that should have been filled with laughter and adventure. Instead, it became a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life. Troy lost his life while selflessly saving a friend from drowning, a hero in every sense of the word. As I drove to Torrey Pines State Beach, I felt helpless, surrounded by over 20 bystanders who were recording the incident instead of taking action. At that moment, I promised myself that I would never be a bystander again.
Troy’s bravery ignited a fire within me. I realized how important it is to take action, to make a difference, and to live life to the fullest. In the wake of this tragedy, I began searching for a way to honor his memory—a way to impact lives positively and meaningfully.

Website: https://www.TheAsianBistro.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoatermelon

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoatnguyen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoAAsty/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-asian-bistro-san-diego-3

Image Credits
Hoa T. Nguyen @ Hoatermelon