Brewing History: Vietnamese-American Entrepreneur Brings Robusta Coffee to Chicago and Inspires Community through Stories of Struggle and Success.

Tuan Huynh is brewing a cup of coffee in Chicago’s West Loop, using beans from his family’s farm over 8,000 miles away. He describes the coffee as dense, strong, and bold, much like the Vietnamese people. Huynh opened Vietfive Coffee two years ago to introduce Chicagoans to his Vietnamese heritage and pay homage to his roots.

He aims to share his family’s refugee journey and bring Robusta coffee to the U.S through his business. Located near Madison Street and Aberdeen Street, Vietfive Coffee has received an overwhelming response from the community. Chicagoans have embraced him and allowed him to flourish in the city, he says.

The coffee shop offers 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’s path to opening Vietfive Coffee wasn’t easy, as he grew up in Kansas and faced struggles that led him to prison for over 15 years.

After his release in 2011, he graduated college and landed a job in Chicago, where he now uses his experiences to inspire others. He collaborates 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.

With each customer, Huynh shares his passion for Vietnamese coffee and aims to make them part of his journey. He wants everyone to feel connected to their story through every cup of coffee they enjoy.