Episode description

Denise Tran is the CEO of Bun Mee Vietnamese Sandwich Eatery, a gourmet, fast-casual restaurant that blends Vietnam’s street food concepts with modern interpretations and fresh, local ingredients. After practicing law in Seattle, Denise decided to transition and open Bun Mee in 2011. Within months of opening the doors, many of their menu items landed on San Francisco’s best lists. 

In 2019, Bun Mee’s sales exceeded eight figures and there are now four locations throughout the city, including locations in the San Francisco International Airport. Additionally, Bun Mee has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise and recognized in numerous local, national, and international publications.

In 2020, Denise was awarded by the San Francisco chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization with the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award.

While starting your own business is filled with tons of uncertainty, it’s guaranteed to provide you with learning experiences that you can grow from—but you have to be willing. 

Denise Tran, the CEO of Bun Mee, knows firsthand the risks that entrepreneurs face when building a business and how the challenges that arise can lead to great opportunities.

Today, Denise shares her experience as a first-generation immigrant from Vietnam growing up in New Orleans. She talks about how she decided to stop practicing law and open her own restaurant. You’ll also hear about the trip to Vietnam that changed Denise’s outlook on life. 

Join Denise Tran, the CEO of Bun Mee, and Dov Pollack in this episode of the Next Wave Leadership Podcast. Denise shares her career experience and transition from working as an attorney to starting her own business. She also discusses how she defines success, how her company engages their employees, and shares her advice for entrepreneurs.