Spotlight: Asian American Owned Small Businesses You Should Know About
As the economy continues to bounce back from the pandemic, it’s essential to support small businesses. In particular, we want to shine a light on Asian American-owned small businesses that are thriving despite the challenging times. Here are a few to know about:
1. BaoHaus
BaoHaus is a Taiwanese-American restaurant chain founded by chef Eddie Huang. The restaurant focuses on traditional Taiwanese street food, specifically the bao, a Chinese-style steamed bun filled with flavorful meat or vegetables. BaoHaus now has locations in Los Angeles and New York City, and it has earned a reputation for its unique take on traditional Taiwanese cuisine.
2. Poketo
Poketo is a lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung. The brand offers a curated collection of design-focused goods, including clothing, home goods, and accessories. Poketo has two brick-and-mortar stores in Los Angeles, and its products are available online. The brand has gained a loyal following for its commitment to promoting creativity and supporting independent artists.
3. Milk+T
Milk+T is a popular boba tea shop chain founded by former tech workers, Tommy Le and Chi-lan Lieu. The shop offers a broad selection of boba tea flavors, including specialty drinks like the Fruity Pebbles and Taro Cream. Milk+T has locations in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and its innovative menu has earned it a devoted fan base.
4. The Slanted Door
The Slanted Door is a Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco founded by Charles Phan. For more than 25 years, the restaurant has been serving upscale Vietnamese cuisine, earning a Michelin star and numerous other accolades. The restaurant also has locations in Hawaii and San Ramon, California.
5. The Sole Industry
The Sole Industry is a shoe store in Brooklyn, New York, founded by Alex Wei. The store offers a broad selection of sneakers and streetwear from brands like Adidas, Nike, and Supreme. The Sole Industry has gained a reputation for its expert curation and personalized customer service.
These incredible Asian American-owned small businesses are just a few of the many that are thriving across the country. By supporting these businesses and others like them, we can help build a more diverse and inclusive economy that benefits all.
