Today we’d like to introduce you to Rick Nguyen
Hi Rick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My family’s story begins with a legacy rooted in the sea, where three generations of my family made their living as fishermen. My grandfather and father were shrimp boat sailors by trade in Vietnam. They were true masters of seafood, and our family’s connection to the ocean ran deep.
In 1975, my family sought refuge in America, carrying nothing but dreams of a better future. For seven years, my family saved every penny, and in 1982, we purchased our first shrimp boat—a modest 35-footer. Two years later, we opened our first fast-fried seafood restaurant, “Tony’s Seafood,” in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It was a pivotal moment for our family, marking the beginning of our journey in the American food industry.
The success of “Tony’s Seafood” led to the opening of “Ellis Seafood” on Ellis Avenue in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1986. Over the years, we expanded ‘Ellis Seafood’ further with other fast-fried seafood, establishing two more locations in Jackson, two in Birmingham, Alabama, one in Tuskegee, Alabama, and others in Pensacola, Florida, and Collierville, Tennessee. My childhood was spent in these bustling kitchens, learning the ropes of the family business alongside my parents and uncles.
In 2014, we moved to Atlanta, and by 2023, I found myself exploring new culinary horizons. Along with my family, I rented my first cloud kitchen at Decatur Food Hub, where we tested and created a vibrant mix of cuisines and creative menu concepts. This experience led to the birth of several exciting brands: Lobster Eats, Wings Frenzy, and Say Cheese Please.
The success at Decatur Food Hub inspired us to think bigger. We envisioned a place where tradition and technology could coexist under one roof—a space where our guests could experience the best of both worlds. This vision came to life with the opening of Digibites Food Hub, our first brick-and-mortar location that’s as innovative as it is inviting.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving into the cloud kitchen space in 2023 was a leap into the unknown. It was hard to step into my parents’ shoes, to carry the weight of the legacy they had built, while also wanting to bring my vision to life. Learning to balance tradition with innovation wasn’t easy. It required us to think differently, to adapt quickly, and to constantly innovate. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, but each struggle taught me something valuable.
As you know, we’re big fans of Digibites Food Hub. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
When we envision ‘Digibites Food Hub’ – we envision — “There is Something. For Everyone”. Our mission is to be your favorite “go-to” spot to get all your favorites under one digital roof — whether you’re yearning for a Cajun seafood boil or indulging in a sumptuous lobster pasta from ‘Lobster Streets,’ or savoring a comforting grilled cheese sandwich from ‘Say Cheese Please,’ our offerings cater to every taste bud. From the exquisite desserts of ‘Sweet Street’ to the innovative sauces of ‘Wings Frenzy,’ each bite promises a delightful culinary adventure.
At Digibites, we’ve embraced technology to enhance the dining experience, with features like ordering kiosks and food lockers. Guests can choose to order and take it to go, order online for delivery, or enjoy their meals in our warm, welcoming dining room. Our motto, “Chamblee’s Favorites All Under One Digital Roof,” reflects our commitment to the community and our desire to bring something new and exciting to the table.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Investing in the start-up of “Digibites Food Hub” has been the biggest risk we’ve ever taken. The vision of creating a digital and technically savvy dining experience wasn’t something everyone understood or embraced. Many were comfortable with old traditions and skeptical about the idea of blending technology with food. We faced resistance and doubt, not just from outsiders, but sometimes even within our circles.
The uncertainty weighed heavily on us, especially as we were stepping into a new market where we had no guarantee of success. The community’s acceptance was a big unknown, and we knew we were venturing into uncharted territory. But despite the doubts and the risks, we believed in the concept. We saw the potential to bring something unique and innovative to the table, something that could resonate with a new generation of diners.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.digibitesfoodhub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dbfoodhub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/digibitesfoodhub
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/digibites-food-hub-chamblee?osq=digibites+food+hub
- Other: https://g.page/r/CaM5GQb8su1hEBM/review
