Meet James Phan | Co-Owner of Ridges Churro Bar

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

Hi James, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
At Ridges Churro Bar, success comes in many ways. We dedicate ourselves into making a great product which customers will continue to enjoy. We do not make any flavors which we would be a “gimmick” or something that is a one time try type of flavor. We’ve always focused on our quality of flavors and the aesthetics of our product. Its all about the churro sundae experience which involves a nice hot churro dipped in a cold ice cream. To do this the success comes from having a great team. Our team is the true success in delivering the product that Nancy and myself have built. Having a team who cares about the product as much as you do will help continue the integrity of the product itself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In 2015 the idea of recreating the churro with different flavors and putting them in ice creams came alive. My wife Nancy and i saw the idea of putting different flavors of churro which can be enjoyed by everyone. The most significant flavor of them all was the fruity pebble churro. At the time we were the only on to introduce these type of flavors on the product itself. Soon after the popularity, many other churro brand started to do the same flavors. Seeing major places like theme parks and other amusements parks doing the “churro sundae” now gives us a sense of success from what we created. How we got to where we are today is by continually adapting to any changes or circumstances. Expanding what we sell in a food truck to music events such as coachella, stagecoach, rolling loud, and many other food festivals. Though our first large event wasn’t as smooth logistically, we’ve learned so many things in which we were able to adapt and apply going forward to any sort of situations and events. What makes us different from others is our product. We deliver flavors and ingredients that matches what they are called. Theres no shortcut to making any dollar. What we enjoy most is seeing other peoples reaction when they try our product. That alone is a success in our books.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Personally i enjoy outdoor dining by the beach. Theres nothing better then a sunset, light breeze, cold cup of beer, and a meal. Definitely something i enjoy doing. Going to a brewery is always a fun time, just being able to try local breweries and socializing.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Just to the Ridges Team. From our past employees to our current. Nancy and I would not be where we are without them.

Website: www.Ridgeschurrobar.com

Instagram: @Ridgeschurrobar

Twitter: @Ridgeschurrobar

Facebook: @Ridgeschurrobar

Yelp: @Ridgeschurrobar