Today we’d like to introduce you to Vi Tran
Hi Vi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My parents owned a restaurant for twenty years so I grew up surrounded by food. I saw how hard they worked but I also saw how much joy their food brought to others. Being an entrepreneur is in my blood but I had no intentions of owning a business. I spent years working behind a desk and started to feel restless. I needed a break and the food industry seemed a like an easy pitstop. It was supposed to be temporary while I figured out what I wanted to do next but I made some great connections and landed a job with Publik Coffee. One thing lead to another and in 2021, we took over Amour Spreads and the adjoining cafe, which became Picnic Cafe in 2022. Alas, all good things must come to an end and we just made the tough decision to stop jam production for Amour Spreads. It’s bittersweet but it gives me more time and energy to focus on the cafe side of things. Big changes are on the horizon so keep an eye on this space!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been so many challenges along the way, especially as a small business. It’s all so unpredictable. How much are my ingredients going to cost this week? What piece of equipment is going to stop working? It’s hard work, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about giving up or quitting. Imposter syndrome is real! But I try to look at it as an opportunity to learn more about myself and my strength. I am also incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the smartest and kindest people who have stepped up to help and support. There’s no way I could have done any of this on my own.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Picnic Cafe is located right by Liberty Park. We make our baked goods in house, including bagels, muffins, brioche buns, and more. We’re known for some of our seasonal drink specials and we enjoy playing around with different ingredients. I love introducing people to flavors they may not be familiar with, like pandan and Vietnamese coffee. Our team is really solid and we’re always bouncing ideas off of each other. I’m always open to letting my staff bring their creations to life.
Community is important to me. Every month, we host an art jam where people bring their own art projects and just hang out. I love supporting other small businesses who might not have a brick and mortar by giving them a space to use. We’re planning more events, activities and food pop ups as well as hosting chefs in the evening for special dinners. If you’ve got a fun idea, skill sharing workshop, or event, please reach out to us!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I wear a lot of different hats and I feel like I’m always learning something new. I really love the space we’ve created and all of the people who show up whether they’re employees, customers, family or friends. Everyone is so ready to help and support; you just have to ask and learn to trust and lean on others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @picnicslc
