Today we’d like to introduce you to Soknai Ly.
Hi Soknai, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Cambodia and moved to the United States in 2019 to pursue a degree in hospitality. During my studies, I gained valuable experience working in both hotels and restaurants, which deepened my passion for the food and service industry.
That experience inspired me to invest in my own restaurant business, and that’s how I began rebuilding Sunrise Bagels. When I took over, my goal was to refresh the brand — improving the menu, service, and overall customer experience. Through hard work, creativity, and a strong focus on quality, I’ve been able to grow the business and increase sales every year.
I started my journey with a simple goal — to create a place where people could enjoy fresh, delicious bagels made with care and quality ingredients. When I took over Sunrise Bagels, the brand needed a fresh start. I focused on rebuilding its image — improving the menu, enhancing customer service, and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that truly represented our values.
Through consistent effort, creative marketing, and listening to our customers, I was able to rebuild the brand’s reputation and grow our sales steadily year after year. We introduced new flavors, added catering options, and built strong relationships with our local community.
Today, Sunrise Bagels continues to grow, and I’m proud that we started with 2 team members and now we have 10 members. Also, what started as a small neighborhood shop has become a local favorite known for quality, freshness, and friendly service.
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 definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. When I took over Sunrise Bagels, I faced many challenges — from learning how to run a business in a new country to understanding the local market and customer preferences. Managing an existing business was even more complex because it came with existing issues that needed to be addressed carefully. I couldn’t just make big changes right away; I first had to study our existing customers’ behavior, learn what they valued, and then make thoughtful improvements that aligned with their needs and expectations.
Also, there were times when sales were slow and staffing was a constant struggle, but each challenge taught me something important. I learned to adapt quickly, think creatively, and stay focused on the goal even there are a lot of stress to handle.
Those early struggles helped shape the business into what it is today — stronger, more customer-focused, and continually growing year after year.
We’ve been impressed with Sunrise Bagels, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sunrise Bagels is a local bagel shop that focuses on freshness, quality, and customization. We specialize in handcrafted bagels made daily, breakfast sandwiches, and catering options that allow customers to mix and match different types of bagels and proteins to create exactly what they like. Our goal is to make every morning a little brighter with a healthy choice that’s simple, fresh, and satisfying.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on healthy choices made with high-quality ingredients. We believe that great food should not only taste good but also make you feel good. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we want our customers to start their mornings with the best — fresh, wholesome, and high-quality food that gives them energy and comfort to begin their day right.
Although Sunrise Bagels is a small local brand located in Foothill Ranch, we put our hearts into making the perfect bagels and ensuring every customer leaves satisfied and with a smile. We’ve continued to grow our sales every year by staying true to our core values — quality food, friendly service, and a genuine connection with our community.
For readers who haven’t visited us yet, I’d love them to know that Sunrise Bagels isn’t just a place to grab breakfast — it’s a neighborhood spot built on passion, hard work, and the joy of serving others.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
For me, it started with reaching out to people owner in the hospitality and food industry and asking thoughtful questions about their experiences. I’ve found that most people are happy to share advice if you approach them with respect and curiosity. I believe that if you want to be success your circles that share the same interests are the most important thing.
For anyone starting out, my advice is to stay open-minded, listen more than you speak, and be persistent. Networking doesn’t happen overnight, but if you nurture your connections like a garden, the right opportunities — like butterflies — will naturally come to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunrisebagels.us/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrise_bagely/
