Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Pham.
Hi Kim, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I hated to cook when I was little, and I didn’t like it until I was older, and that’s when I came to the states. When I told my family I wanted to open a restaurant they were so shocked they even bet each other I would close one month after I opened! My husband believed in me, and he supported me even though it was hard, but we did it. Now I realize it’s not all about cooking food just to eat food. It turned into a passion of mine to cook good food for good health. I found so many remedies and natural teeth and eating clean. Fast forward it has been 17 years, and now my family is still in shock yet they are so proud of how far we have come. They admire how I turned my cooking into a passion!
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?
The difficult part was when I started this business my children were toddlers ages one and five. Finances were so tight that my hiring was limited and I did most of the jobs myself. From being a host to a server to cook, I did it all. I remember walking to all of the businesses every day around me and even then, not so welcoming ones. Even those who hesitated to try my cooking are now loyal customers till this day. I still remember asking myself how am I going to do this, working 12 hours at the restaurant and with the children. But we did it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Miss Saigon Cafe?
I like to cook to help people’s health. That’s the true passion of mine, to fit people specific dietary needs. To have an inclusive menu that caters to those who are vegan, gluten-free, low carb, and for overall better health. I hope that my cooking helps them on their health journey and offers some treats that still fit in their parameters. I feel like that is what sets us apart from other local restaurants. Our brand is a true reflection of pride when customers continuously give us great feedback even during the hard Covid times. When you open the doors at Masego on you’ll be treated like a family who caters to your specific almost custom menu choices.
I will go out of my way to make sure everyone can eat here without having to question what details are in our recipes. I’ve even been known to my special ingredients for customers, so they will always have a place at our table.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the COVID crisis, we only closed for 2 weeks (just to remodel). I made sure my staff never had a day without pay. We used that sad time for a happy remodeling to expand our space into what it is today! We went from only being able to seat 40 to now being able to seat 100! We even have a new karaoke entertainment area, and we now serve beer and wine!
Pricing:
- Pho $11
- Noodle Bowl $11
- Rice dishes $11
- Boba teas $4
- Vegan dishes $11
Contact Info:
- Website: MissSaigonTX.com
- Instagram: Miss SaigonCafeHurst
- Facebook: Facebook.com/MissSaigonCafe
