In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Denise Tran, founder and CEO of Bun Mee, a Vietnamese fast casual with four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bun Mee has been around since 2011, and now after 13 years — and many important lessons — it’s ready to grow through franchising. Denise joined the podcast to talk about what it’s like to launch a business selling food most people haven’t heard of and how she’s much stronger having navigated the difficult operating environment that is San Francisco. 

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Customers may not understand your product — and that’s OK
• Airport locations are tough work, but well worth the effort 
• If you can succeed in a tough operating environment, you can succeed most anywhere
• Having your house in order can help you through crises 
• There is no perfect time to grow

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at [email protected].