Through dedication and a deep understanding of their craft, the Nguyen family has created a legacy that bridges their rich heritage with their new life in America, continually serving and delighting their community with authentic and beloved flavors.
In Vietnam, the Nguyen family was renowned for raising livestock and their exceptional skills in meat preparation. Their expertise in cutting meats from their cattle earned them a stellar reputation for quality and led to a thriving distribution business. This deep knowledge and experience in handling various meats allowed their business to flourish, as they consistently provided authentic tastes and presentations that resonated with the local community.
In 1992, the Nguyen family immigrated to America and continued their tradition by making pork sausages, just as they had in Vietnam. This venture provided Terry Nguyen and his family with valuable business experience in the American market. By selling their pork sausages and other meats to various businesses, Terry gained a deep understanding of the community’s needs and the steps necessary to expand their business.
In 2009, Terry Nguyen, representing the third generation of the family, took a significant step by opening their first restaurant in Westminster, California. Recognizing a gap in the availability of authentic traditional foods, Terry and his family began crafting home-cooked meals that showcased their expertise in meat preparation and the use of various ingredients to delight the Vietnamese community. The restaurant’s success soon led to the opening of a second location in 2012, followed by a third with all of the restaurants in Orange County, California.
During these years, Tam Bien Market became a hub for selling different meats. The Santa Ana manufacturing facility expanded to offer a wide range of foods, transforming into the Tam Bien Market where customers could find their favorite items, such as Buns, Pork Sausage, Lemongrass Sausage, Blood Sausage, and Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves, among other specialties. The Tam Bien name quickly gained recognition in Orange County and became a beloved brand among Vietnamese people across the country. Soon, customers from various regions were calling to order their prepared foods, making Tam Bien a household name in the Vietnamese American community.