Today we’d like to introduce you to Chi Tran
Hi Chi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Journey of Tran Coffee
Ever since I was a little girl, I started my mornings by making coffee for my parents before they went to work. They drank it every day, but I didn’t drink much coffee myself back then. Still, I always knew that Vietnamese coffee was special — it gives people the energy to power through their entire day.
When I moved to the U.S, life got busier. I went to school all day and worked afterward, which led me to start drinking Vietnamese coffee. However, finding good Vietnamese coffee powder here was difficult. It was rare to get that rich, authentic taste I grew up with until I finally found one restaurant selling powder. I began making my own coffee every morning.
My best friend, who is Arabian, tried it and called it the best coffee he’d ever had. A few years later, my boyfriend, who is Chinese, said the same thing. That’s when I realized I wasn’t just making coffee — I was making something special. It was different from anything else you could find in the U.S.
Then, the opportunity came at the right time. I told myself that if I had a chance to contribute something valuable to the community, I would give it my best. Without any concrete plan, I took a leap of faith. I went back to Vietnam, bought materials in bulk, and brought them to the U.S. — not knowing exactly how or where to start.
On 08/08, I finally put my thoughts on the wall as “I love the taste of the best coffee in the morning and I know how important it is to my entire daily routine. And I would like to share this Wow feeling to everyone in US and around the world so that all people can enjoy their new day with the Best Coffee that can help bring out their best version of energy, emotions, creativity into their works throughout the days as always”. And just like that, Tran Coffee was born. It started with heart, passion, and a desire to share the rich, bold taste of Vietnamese coffee with everyone. It’s not just about the coffee; it’s about the journey, the culture, and the people who believed in me along the way.
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?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — like any business, Tran Coffee faced its fair share of challenges.
Vietnamese coffee is not widely known in the U.S, so from the start, it was difficult to find our target audience and make sales. We began small, selling one cup at a time at weekend markets and distributing to restaurants daily. It was slow, but one thing kept us motivated — every time someone tried our coffee, they were blown away by the rich, bold, and delicious flavors. Many customers came back for refills, which inspired us to focus on sustainability by using reusable cups and tumblers. This perfectly reflects our company slogan: “Tran Coffee — the best tasting coffee until your last sip.”
One of the biggest hurdles was finding the right locations to sell our coffee. We spent countless hours approaching building landlords and business owners, trying to collaborate or secure partnerships, but we were met with rejection after rejection. Eventually, by the grace of God, we realized that selling on the street was our way to bring the community together. We started handing out samples to people passing by, sharing not just our coffee but a piece of Vietnamese culture with every conversation at each mobile cart location.
Even after finding our footing, the journey didn’t get easier. We experimented with locations like Hollywood and Koreatown, searching for customers who were loyal to other big famous brands. But building a loyal customer base took time. Ultimately, we found our place in downtown LA — but it came with sacrifices. Every day, we drive 4-5 hours back and forth, covering over 100 miles to operate three Tran Coffee locations. With only 4 hours of sleep each night, we pour our hearts into making each cup by hand, using the traditional Vietnamese filter method to ensure it tastes just like in Vietnam — not the diluted versions often found in restaurants.
The challenges didn’t stop there. Competing with well-established coffee chains and dealing with an unpredictable economy added to the struggle. Yet, our passion for bringing authentic Vietnamese coffee to the U.S. has kept us going. Through every setback, sleepless night, and long drive, we continue to serve our community with pride and love about Vietnamese coffee
The road has been anything but smooth, but our dream of sharing Vietnamese culture to all our friends worldwide and creating a meaningful coffee experience pushes us forward — one cup at a time.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tran Coffee LLC . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tran Coffee LLC is more than just a coffee business — it’s a passion project deeply rooted in culture, community,,and the mission to bring the best-tasting Vietnamese coffee to everyone in the U.S. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to authenticity. Every cup is crafted using the traditional Vietnamese phin filter method, delivering a bold, rich flavor that captures the true essence of Vietnam with every sip. Our slogan, “The Best Tasting Coffee Until Your Last Sip,”isn’t just a tagline — it’s a promise we stand by.
We specialize in premium Vietnamese coffee, made from high-quality beans perfected through experience and heart. Whether it’s our signature iced coffee, Suada,or the bold and robust black coffee, Denda and Denk, our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for every customer. But it’s not just about the coffee — it’s about sustainability too. We proudly use reusable cups and tumblers to promote eco-friendly habits while offering affordable refills, helping both the planet and your wallet.
At Tran Coffee, we believe the way you enjoy your coffee is just as important as the coffee itself. That’s why we carefully choose only high-quality borosilicate glass cups and insulated tumblers. These materials keep the taste and temperature consistent until the last sip, perfectly reflecting our slogan. Borosilicate glass is known for its durability and heat resistance, preserving the coffee’s rich, bold flavors without absorbing odors or chemicals. Our insulated tumblers are designed to maintain the perfect temperature all day long, so whether you prefer a steaming cup or a refreshing iced coffee, every sip tastes as good as the first.
We intentionally avoid plastic cups because they can alter the flavor once the ice starts to melt, resulting in a diluted, less enjoyable taste. Beyond flavor, long-term plastic use has been linked to health risks, which is why we prioritize both taste and well-being, offering the highest quality coffee experience in the safest, most sustainable way possible.
What makes us most proud as a brand is our journey— from handing out samples on the streets of downtown LA to now operating three mobile cart locations, with plans to double and expand even further. We’re not just selling coffee; we’re building a community. Each conversation, each returning customer, and every smile we see is a reminder of why we started.
We want readers to know that Tran Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a story of perseverance, culture, and connection. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or simply someone who loves trying something new, we invite you to taste the difference. Come for the coffee — stay for the community.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, my journey was anything but ordinary. I came to the U.S. when I was not even 17 years old — completely on my own. Learning to navigate life in a new country by myself taught me resilience, hard work, and the value of perseverance. From starting with nothing to slowly building something, every step along the way has been a lesson. Doing business has given me not just experience but also perspective — that success is not just about reaching the top; it’s about how you carry yourself on the way there.
I live by the saying “ripe rice bows its head, deep rivers run silent”— the more I achieve, the more I believe in staying humble and kind to everyone. No matter how challenging the path has been, I’ve learned that love and respect for others are the greatest measures of success. Life has tested me in many ways, but those challenges shaped who I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trancoffee.us
