Meet Brad Le | Co owner at Rang Coffee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brad Le and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brad, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Opening our coffee shop was a dream that evolved from our love for coffee and our Vietnamese heritage. We’ve always been deeply connected to Vietnamese coffee culture, with its unique flavors and rituals. Growing up, coffee wasn’t just a beverage; it was a way of life, a symbol of hospitality and connection. We wanted to bring that experience to our community, to share the rich flavors and traditions of Vietnamese coffee with others. Our coffee shop isn’t just about serving great coffee; it’s about sharing a piece of our culture and creating a space where people can experience the warmth and hospitality that we grew up with. It’s a way for us to pay homage to our roots while also creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels like they belong.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, my career journey has been quite blessed and rewarding, balancing my role as an employee for the Department of Homeland Security with co-owning RANG Coffee. It’s definitely a unique combination, but it’s what keeps things interesting for me.

What sets me apart, I believe, is my ability to navigate these different worlds and find fulfillment in different aspects of my life. As an employee for DHS, I’m dedicated to my role in ensuring the safety and security of the people and the nation, while co-owning Rang Coffee allows me to explore my creative side and connect with our community on a whole different level.

It hasn’t been a walk in the park, balancing these two roles. There have been challenges along the way, from the complexities of my work with DHS to the day-to-day operations of running a coffee shop. But I’ve learned to adapt and rely on my team for support.

What I want folks to know about me and RANG Coffee is that we’re more than just a coffee shop. We’re a place where people can come together, enjoy great coffee, and feel a sense of belonging. Whether I’m serving my country or serving up lattes, my dedication to making a difference and bringing people together is what keeps me going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:

Morning: Start the day with Rang Coffee and enjoy some delicious parties we had

Afternoon: Visit the Houston Museum District, exploring the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

Evening: Dive into the vibrant Korean barbecue scene with dinner at Bori. Be sure to try their marinated meats and delicious banchan.

Day 2:

Morning: Start the day with Rang Coffee and enjoy some delicious pastries from Mademoiselle Louise

Afternoon: Explore the Houston Space Center and learn about NASA’s history and future missions.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Xiao Long Kan or Happy Lamb Hot Pot

Day 3:

Morning: Have brunch at Dish Society

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping and exploring the boutiques in the Heights neighborhood and at Houston Famer’s market

Evening: Dinner at Uchi for an upscale dining experience featuring innovative Japanese cuisine.

Day 4:

Morning: Start the day with Buzz & Bites coffee shop and Visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Afternoon: Treat yourself to some delicious Vietnamese cuisine at The Blind Goat and enjoy a matinee performance at a local theater or catch a stand-up comedy show

Evening: Head to Soulside Wings for dinner and try their variety of unique wing flavors.

Day 5:

Morning: Start the day with Rang Coffee shop and take a stroll through Hermann Park and visit the Houston Zoo.

Afternoon: Dive into some Texas-style barbecue at The Pit Room

Evening: Grab some beer at Social Beer Garden and catch a show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater offering free performances.

Day 6:

Morning: visit various food trucks around Houston for a taste of the local street food scene.

Afternoon: Visit local art galleries or museums or farmer’s market

Evening: Vist Tatse of Texas Steakhouse and attend a live music show at The House of Blues Houston

Day 7:

Morning: Brunch at Tim Ho Wan

Afternoon: Stop by The Ally boba shop for their peach snow velvet drink and visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science again, this time to see the butterfly exhibit.

Evening: Rodeo!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to my amazing co-owners of Rang Coffee: David, Shelly, An, and Han. Without their unwavering support, dedication, and shared vision, Rang wouldn’t be where it is today. Each of them brings unique strengths and perspectives to the table, and together, we make a dynamic team. From brainstorming new ideas to tackling challenges head-on, their collaboration and commitment have been instrumental in shaping Rang into the vibrant community hub it is. I’m incredibly grateful to have them by my side on this journey, and I couldn’t imagine running this coffee shop without them. So, here’s to David, Shelly, An, and Han—thank you for being such amazing partners and friends!

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Image Credits
Anthony Nguyen (Instagram @anthongyn)