A handful of banh mi, a heart full of hope.
Donation protected
Trang has such a deep love for other people and has always expressed that love through food. In other words, food is her #1 love language. We have been given an amazing opportunity to a space that will absolutely thrive with Trang's positive energy and her amazing Vietnamese cuisine and banh mi. The only problem is that the kitchen was completely gutted. We're hoping to raise some of the initial funds to get licensed commercial equipment for our kitchen buildout.
Here is a bit of background into our head chef/ restaurant owner:
As a timid 13 year old, in hopes of finding more opportunity and a better future for herself and her family, Trang immigrated to America without knowing a word of English. She quickly became a passionate, vibrant entertainer, realizing that having wit, charm and a bubbly personality was the most effective way to break down the language barrier and connect with those around her. She has always wanted the world to see how special of a place Vietnam is, and she does that by cooking for anyone that she can.
Trang had the incredible opportunity to return to Vietnam for 6 months and study the art of Vietnamese cuisine. Shortly after returning to the States, Trang decided to quit her job and put all of her savings towards a food truck. This was a daunting venture, but she knew it was her calling. Being back in Vietnam had reawakened her desire to live for her passion and showcase the flavors of her motherland to her American community.
The food truck was a huge success. Trang built relationships with every customer, who would come for the food but stay for her warm hospitality and positive energy. Unfortunately, not everything behind closed doors was smooth sailing. In a tragic turn of events, Trang was ultimately forced to choose between her food truck, that she put her entire heart and soul into, and her mental health and physical safety. Perhaps the toughest decision she’s ever had to make, Trang walked away from her dream, requiring her to give up ownership of her truck and say goodbye to her hopes of watching her “child” grow into something bigger.
Personally, financially and physically, Trang hit rock bottom. But even on nights where she didn’t know where to sleep, she would still find a way to use food as a love language and nurture those around her.
In the last few weeks a unique chain of events has unfolded and presented Trang with an opportunity to open up a micro kitchen in Portland. The money raised from this gofundme will go directly towards what is needed to build out the kitchen and secure Trang’s stake in the company.
Our goal is to show Trang the same kindness that she has repeatedly shown us by raising enough money to rebuild what she lost and ultimately get her back to doing what she does best: SLANGIN’ BANH MI
Here is a bit of background into our head chef/ restaurant owner:
As a timid 13 year old, in hopes of finding more opportunity and a better future for herself and her family, Trang immigrated to America without knowing a word of English. She quickly became a passionate, vibrant entertainer, realizing that having wit, charm and a bubbly personality was the most effective way to break down the language barrier and connect with those around her. She has always wanted the world to see how special of a place Vietnam is, and she does that by cooking for anyone that she can.
Trang had the incredible opportunity to return to Vietnam for 6 months and study the art of Vietnamese cuisine. Shortly after returning to the States, Trang decided to quit her job and put all of her savings towards a food truck. This was a daunting venture, but she knew it was her calling. Being back in Vietnam had reawakened her desire to live for her passion and showcase the flavors of her motherland to her American community.
The food truck was a huge success. Trang built relationships with every customer, who would come for the food but stay for her warm hospitality and positive energy. Unfortunately, not everything behind closed doors was smooth sailing. In a tragic turn of events, Trang was ultimately forced to choose between her food truck, that she put her entire heart and soul into, and her mental health and physical safety. Perhaps the toughest decision she’s ever had to make, Trang walked away from her dream, requiring her to give up ownership of her truck and say goodbye to her hopes of watching her “child” grow into something bigger.
Personally, financially and physically, Trang hit rock bottom. But even on nights where she didn’t know where to sleep, she would still find a way to use food as a love language and nurture those around her.
In the last few weeks a unique chain of events has unfolded and presented Trang with an opportunity to open up a micro kitchen in Portland. The money raised from this gofundme will go directly towards what is needed to build out the kitchen and secure Trang’s stake in the company.
Our goal is to show Trang the same kindness that she has repeatedly shown us by raising enough money to rebuild what she lost and ultimately get her back to doing what she does best: SLANGIN’ BANH MI
Fundraising team: BANH MI or BUST (3)
Trang Nguyen
Organizer
Portland, OR
Rebecca Aptaker
Team member
Jesse Morrow
Team member