Daily Inspiration: Meet Timothy Maikeo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Timothy Maikeo.

Hi Timothy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Coming from a family restaurant Fair Price (1987-2001), then changing the name to Chao’s Thai Café (2001-2005). I’ve always had that food itch.

During my High School days, I would take “combo” orders that included; Pad Thai chicken or Thai BBQ chicken with Thai Tea or Thai Coffee. This really helped boost our lunch sales. Of course, my Dad would cut me a deal at 75/25. With selling our shop in 2006, I was shocked how much free time I had. But I knew I never wanted to leave the food industry.

From 2006-2020, I’ve experienced and explored a lot.

From my time in service with California Air National Guard to meeting, marrying, and creating my family today.

Although my time in service was short (9 years), I had to get back into the food service. With my supportive wife and family, we created Tim’s Thai Tea.

First menu was short, only Thai Tea. Then came Thai Coffee and finally…. BOBA. Once the boba came, we thought of a concept of adding Filipino flavors. It started with Halo-Halo, a shaved ice drink made with fresh ice cream, flan, and other Filipino ingredients. Each cup, each pouch was hand done. I hand-shaved the ice since I didn’t not have a generator. Once it got more popular, we knew we had to invest into bigger machines.

From there, the menu started to evolve. We added food, then shakes, now combo deals.

So it seems like we are going back to what I’ve always dreamed of. And today, we are so thankful to be where are at. I am so proud of how much the business has become. It’s all thanks to you and the community who loves to support small. Thank you!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth. Everything from logistics, social media, booking events and permitting it’s been a struggle.

Communication is key. Documentation is just as important. Taking one task at a time and setting priorities helps.

Not everyone is perfect and I get that. Sometimes we book events far in advance, and we are hopeful to have workers, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and figure it out. If there is a will, there is a way. Sometimes I tell myself, how do I do this with only 2-3 hours of sleep and having 2 to 3 events back to back but you know what, I love it. I love serving. I love cooking. Some people think it’s easy, to be honest, it’s not. So if I don’t have certain things on the menu, I’m sorry. I do what I can with what I have.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I did work on the airframe and power plant of a C-130J, a United States Air Force cargo plane. This is where I learned a lot in quality.

Since having that knowledgeable quality eye, I ensured it was used in our business. We always check for quality products and ensure all drinks are to its full potential.

I am proud of how much the business has grown and changed. People love us hosting their parties, weddings, and birthdays. Our team loves all the events that we get to serve and be a part of. It’s been a wonderful journey.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I would love to either go brick and mortar or food truck / trailer. The setting up and breakdown takes a lot of time. I am usually first and last to leave at each event. Not to mention preparing time prior to the events and setting up our little shop. They range from a 10×10 to 20×10 setup.

Pricing:

• Thai Tea $12 (16oz no ice) with or without boba
• Halo – Halo $15 (16oz+ dome lid) w/ flan and ice cream
• Milkshakes $13-$15 (fresh ice cream no ice)
• Combo Deal $20 (Tea/Coffee with 2 Stick Item)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.timsthaitea.com
• Instagram: Tims_ThaiTea
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090579938140&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/tims_thaitea?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=52cd2284-e733-49ed-8ff5-772306e57431

• Yelp: https://yelp.to/TIIfqvBaJxb