At 35, Tran Minh Phuoc – born in 1991 – has officially made his mark with the launch of the Van Phuoc Center Conference & Wedding Banquet venue in Bien Hoa. Seeing Phuoc today, few could imagine that to reach this moment, he spent many years quietly learning, stumbling, and constantly striving to rise from the smallest steps.
(Van Phuoc Conference & Wedding Banquet Center)
This is an interview about the nearly 10-year journey of Tran Minh Phuoc – from a culinary student to the owner of a conference and wedding banquet center bearing his own name.
"My name is Tran Minh Phuoc, born in 1991. I am currently the operator of the Van Phuoc Center Conference & Wedding Banquet venue. We officially began operations in February 2025 and are about to have our grand opening this April. This is the first center to be completely newly built. I started this career from scratch. In the past, I was a kitchen staff member. Later, seeing the demand in Bien Hoa for renting venues for engagement parties, I started renting spaces to open, one after another, three smaller restaurants, each capable of hosting 500 guests. After doing this for a long time, I began to plan building my own dedicated center."
(Van Phuoc Wedding Restaurant - the old location is still operational)
"The opportunity came when I coincidentally found an ideal plot of land and the landowner intended to lease it. At that time, I didn't overthink it; the lease for the old place was about to expire, so I just saw this as an opportunity I had to seize. I handled everything from A to Z – from drawing up plans, applying for construction permits, working with structural engineers and interior architects, to financial planning, cash flow, resources, operations… you name it, I did it all."
"The hardest part wasn't the construction, but rather... gaining customer trust."
"People didn't trust someone as young as me, without a reputation, to host weddings for 500, 600 guests. When I first opened the restaurants, I had to persuade customers one by one, not with words, but with actions. Making sure people saw that I operated properly, decently, and kept my word. We were new, but we had to ensure that anyone who held their event here would become our next promoter."
(Phuoc started from the kitchen & vegetable/fruit carving trade)
The journey on a Honda motobike, traveling 30km from Bien Hoa to Saigon – a journey of learning floristry while honing culinary skills.
"Before joining your (Ms. Rose's) floristry course, I had registered for a flower arrangement class elsewhere. This part is quite emotional for me..."
(The Honda motorcycle that accompanied Phuoc for many years)
"I was once scammed in a previous floristry course; I paid the fee in full, but when I showed up for class, the teacher was nowhere to be found... I felt very lost and lost faith in whether there were good people in this industry. But I still loved the floristry trade because I wanted to handle everything from A to Z for the weddings I organized. The floral decorations had to be truly meticulous. I saw that the flower arrangements I could do were very old-fashioned and traditional. After a while, I decided to study again – this time I met Ms. Rose, and I knew I had chosen the right person. She didn't just teach the craft; she helped me regain my faith in this industry. She also helped me open many new turning points in my development journey."
"At that time, I rode my motorbike from Bien Hoa to District 2 every day, over 30 kilometers each way, for 3 consecutive months…" "Whether it was raining or sunny, I still went to class. I found every lesson valuable. I wasn't learning to open a flower shop, but to better serve the needs of my restaurant's customers."
(Phuoc & Rose during the filming of the Intermediate Level course)
(It is noted that Phuoc has since upgraded his mode of transportation)
His Parents – The Silent Support Behind Him
"From the beginning, I had no companions other than my parents. My parents have always been the ones to comfort and encourage me. Every time I felt worried or lost, my mother was the only one who didn't blame me or put me in a difficult position. She would just say: 'Take it easy, my child, everything will be okay.' At times like that, her words were like medicine."
Phuoc sends his gratitude to his parents:
"Upon reaching a major life goal, my heart overflows with indescribable joy. All the sweat, tears, and effort are now repaid, but more than anything, I understand that today's achievement is not solely my own effort, but also the love and silent sacrifices of my parents. Nothing in this world can fully compensate for all their contributions. I can only engrave it in my heart and vow to live worthily of that immense love."
Both Operating and Teaching
"Currently, besides operating the wedding banquet center and 2 restaurants, I still teach cooking and the art of vegetable/fruit carving to students at my own center and at the Saigontourist School. I believe that sharing experience and knowledge is the best way to develop the community."
(Phuoc continues to share his culinary skills with those passionate about the trade)
"I always advise young people that if you have passion, don't be afraid of hardship or difficulty. Learning a trade is the first step, but your attitude towards the craft determines how far you can go. And if possible, do everything with your heart – the customers will feel it."
The Future of Van Phuoc
"My current center has 2 halls, each with a capacity of about 1300 guests. In the future, I want to expand with a few more branches in neighboring areas. But my top priority remains service quality and customer satisfaction. I don't wish for quick success, only steady progress. Because I understand that sustainable success always requires time and perseverance."
(Van Phuoc Conference & Wedding Banquet Center)
"No starting point is too small…"
"I once had only a motorbike and a backpack, traveling everywhere to learn a trade, learn management, learn how to be a person. If I hadn't been determined and persistent back then, I would have nothing to tell now."
"So, if you are starting with nothing, just like I did, don't be afraid. As long as you keep your passion and take firm steps – the time will come when you create your own path."
From a young man starting a business with empty hands to an owner-operator of his own conference and wedding banquet center, Tran Minh Phuoc is a clear example to the fact that: "If you dare to dream and dare to do – one day you will reach what you desire most."
I hope this article and the interview with Phuoc bring you a lot of inspiration to pursue your passion and dreams on your own unique journey!