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

Hi Minson, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My entire family on my father’s side has been in the food industry since they were in Vietnam (before I was born). My brother and I grew up in their restaurants in Houston, TX (Banh Mi Ba Le, Feng Ling, Tan Do, and a few others). The opportunity presented itself one day and I jumped right in without any hesitation. I’ve always had the entrepreneurial spirit (since elementary school selling candy, snacks, pencils, Pogs (Milk Caps), CDs/DVDs to other students), passion for food and drinks, an the ability to partially have control one’s own destiny.

What should our readers know about your business?
Founder CEO of LA Crawfish, Red Envelope Hospitality LLC, LAC Franchising LLC, LAC Distributing LLC.

I always find the positive in things no matter the face value. Competition drives me the most. If you tell me I can’t do it, I won’t stop until I do it plus even more just to prove you wrong. Enemies, haters, competition do nothing but motivate me to try even harder to win. I have the ability to harness my anger to be more productive and crafty. People always tell me I am to0 extreme, as in I’m always at the extreme of one end only, nowhere in between.

It was definitely not easy, on the up, everyone tells you negative things and tries to put you down or question your decisions. As a new startup, you can’t afford to question yourself, you need the ability to make quick decisions and adapt to anything that may come your way. Stay positive, mental fortitude is key. Sometimes it helps to just go ahead a do something even though it may violate some rule or hurt feelings and deal with the consequences later after it is done. Push boundaries, innovate, be the leader of the pack. Don’t try to just keep up with your competition because you’ll never catch up. Be in the forefront so your competitors try to keep up with you.

LA CRAWFISH’S HISTORY

LA Crawfish began in the year 2010 with just a couple of college kids that had been possessed by a strong entrepreneurial spirt. They worked in the hospitality field for a few years after graduating with business degrees, saving their hard earn dollars with the goal of starting a small business in their hometown of Houston, Texas. Then, in 2010 an opportunity presented itself to the boys and they jumped in head first without a single afterthought! 18+ hour work days, no days off, and a ton of hard work ahead did not discourage them however! Their journey had many ups and downs abound! Even so, the boys were hungry and highly motivated by the challenges that always presented themselves. Their little crawfish shop was an instant success! Their work resulted in a momentous positive growth trajectory and the boys just grew along with it too!

At last, fast forward to present time, LA Crawfish currently has over twenty four (and still growing) franchise locations all throughout Houston, San Antonio, Austin, McAllen, Dallas and the state of Texas!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Asia town on Bellaire/Beechnut. So much good eats and culture in the area and I believe Houston’s Asia town is second to none. Galleria and Houston Premium Outlets for window shopping/shopping. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo would be great to experience as well. Visit Galveston Island for fishing and crabbing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my parents, brother and wife for their unwavering support for my entire life. And also to everyone else I have met in life (good or bad) since they all played a part in who I am and who I will become.

Website: thelacrawfish.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelacrawfish/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LACrawfish_TX

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelacrawfish/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/LACrawfishTV

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