We had the good fortune of connecting with Andy Nguyen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andy, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk is the courage to face your fears. The tension of being uncomfortable creates something beautiful. Risk has played a major role in my entrepreneurial career. I did things that I felt were right. Not what anyone told of me what to do. If I didn’t take the risk of dropping out of school. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. If I didn’t take the risk of jumping into other industries, I wouldn’t know what I was capable of. Taking risks has now become apart of who I am. I’m just calculating my risks a bit more these days.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the co-founder of a number of restaurant concepts. Afters Ice Cream, Dough & Arrow, Ground House Burger, and a number of other establishments. I am very grateful to be in the position of working on a lot of different creative projects with many talented business partners. I’m excited about continuing to get to create in other fields. I’ve been working on my own terms since 2004. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey. But I have zero regrets. I’ve overcome these challenges by sticking to my guts and making sure to do what to me is morally correct. I’ve learned that everyone has their own journey and path. That life isn’t easy but it’s the important lessons that we learn along that way that makes us appreciate all the little things. For myself, I hope people know that I do care. That I truly want to help shift the communities in to a better place. And be able to bring joy to others

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re coming to the OC. I’m taking you on a food tour of my spots. We’ll start at Ground House Burger & Portside Fish Co. Head over to Afters Ice Cream for a milky bun, Stop by Dough & Arrow for some coffee. Then I’d take them on a story time through Little Saigon and talk about the importance of that area. And if we still got time. Take a trip to Disneyland and hit up a couple rides!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My best friend and business partner Polo. Without his early guidance, I wouldn’t even know what the word entrepreneur meant.

Website: orngcnty.com
Instagram: @andythenguyen
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andynguyen2/
Twitter: @andythenguyen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andythenguyen
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=IDVFG1pNSHIHoVuoLuZpcQ