From Prison to Prosperity: Tuan Huynh’s Journey Brings Vietnamese Coffee to Chicago’s West Loop

Tuan Huynh’s passion for Vietnamese coffee has brought him to Chicago’s West Loop, where he brews a cup of coffee using beans from his family’s farm over 8,000 miles away. Huynh opened Vietfive Coffee two years ago with the aim of sharing his heritage and paying homage to his roots. The coffee shop offers unique flavors and blends made from Robusta coffee beans grown and harvested in Vietnam, giving customers a taste of the country.

Despite facing struggles that led him to prison for over 15 years, Huynh found success in Chicago after his release in 2011. He graduated college and landed a job in the city, where he now uses his experiences to inspire others. He collaborates with community groups and organizations to engage in conversations about representation, hoping to create a space where stories can be shared and told through community building and outreach.

Huynh shares his passion for Vietnamese coffee with each customer at Vietfive Coffee, hoping to make them part of his journey. His story is one of resilience and determination, as he aims to bring Robusta coffee to the U.S while paying tribute to his family’s refugee journey. The overwhelming response from the community has allowed Huynh to flourish in Chicago, and he says the city has embraced him wholeheartedly.