In the West Loop of Chicago, Tuan Huynh is brewing a cup of coffee that tells a story. The beans he uses are from his family’s farm in Vietnam, over 8,000 miles away. The coffee is dense, strong, and bold, much like the Vietnamese people. Huynh opened Vietfive Coffee two years ago to introduce Chicagoans to his heritage and pay homage to his roots.
He has faced struggles that led him to prison for over 15 years but has now graduated college and landed a job in Chicago. He uses his experiences to inspire others and collaborate with community groups and organizations to engage in conversations about representation. Through community building and outreach, he hopes to create a space where stories can be shared and told.
Vietfive Coffee has received an overwhelming response from the community, with customers enjoying unique flavors and blends made from Robusta coffee beans grown and harvested in Vietnam. By experiencing their coffee, customers are getting a taste of Vietnam. Huynh wants everyone to feel connected to their story through every cup of coffee they enjoy.