Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelyn Tran
Hi Jacquelyn , 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?
The Local Nod Cafe was created by my husband (Mike) and I. We have been successful individually across many industries and have opened multiple businesses throughout our 10 years together. I believe what has driven our success is our passion for influencing people and inspiring great leadership. After having our boys, we wanted to use our passion to create a legacy for our family and bring a great vibe to our community. So, with a dream and no prior restaurant experience, the Local Nod Cafe was born. Jumping into an unfamiliar industry brought its fair share of challenges and tested our passion and values. We were reminded quickly that great businesses are made by hiring the right people to inspire and lead teams. It is our service team that creates great connections with our guests, it’s our chef and cooks that create plates that wow our patrons, and it’s our leaders who create and hold high expectations accountable. Our team has taken on every challenge to enhance our service, and you can feel their commitment when you walk in the doors. After two and a half years, the Local Nod Cafe has become a staple in the neighborhood and we hope it remains a place where the vibe is good, but the brunch is better for years to come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A smooth road? Gosh, no. I think Mike and I would agree, to be a successful business owner you have to enjoy the pain just a little bit. Every business has its highs and lows, and this business was certainly no different. Navigating another new business, in a different industry, while raising two toddlers was chaotic to say the least. So, finding the right people was pivotal in getting our footing. We had to learn the ends and outs of this industry through the eyes of our super talented team. Beyond that though, we also learned through grit and hands on experience. You don’t quite know what a dishwasher goes through until you have washed the dishes. Opening this business, has given me a whole new respect for industry people. Until you have worked alongside a team who was over sat and under prepared you will never fully grasp how extremely hard their jobs are. The mental and physical load at every level of this industry is tough and the people who do it are uniquely talented and wildly impressive. Although the last few years have brought challenges, I can confidently say we have grown exponentially as business owners, leaders, and mostly importantly as husband and wife. Our communication is stronger, knowledge is deeper, and I would do it all again with the team we created.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Local Nod Cafe is a breakfast and brunch restaurant located in Huntington Beach California. The vibes are good, but the food is better! We’re a trendy neighborhood spot that throws a nod to HB surf culture and west coast vibes. On our menu you will find traditional breakfast and unique flavors. Some of our most popular dishes are the Banana’s Foster Pancakes and our Loco Moco. We also have a great selection of breakfast appetizers and serve our coffee fresh in a French Press. If you are looking to brunch hard our (made fresh daily) bloody mary or bottomless mimosas would be a great fit.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Although we have been in Orange County for 10 years, I am actually from a small town in Georgia and Mike is from Vietnam.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.localnodcafe.com
- Instagram: @localnodhb
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-local-nod-cafe-huntington-beach-3?utm_campaign=Mar-23-2025&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email_share_business
