Flavours of Vietnam owner Mina Dang celebrates new venue in Mackay

A Vietnamese entrepreneur who tripled the size of her restaurant said the success is due to loyal customers, a great team, and her passion for every role in the kitchen.

A Vietnamese entreprenuer who recently moved to a space three times the size said she owed her restaurant’s success to the support of “loyal customers” and her passion for every role in the kitchen.

Mina Dang said she encouraged her tight-knit staff to “dream” whether it was for a better job or a business of their own, because she has seen her’s come true.

She opened restaurant Flavours of Vietnam in a small venue on Macalister Street in February 2019, following 13 years of working almost every job in Mackay hospitality.

In late 2023, her young family and staff celebrated the grand opening of their new space at 18 Nelson St.

“I know that this second home has given me and my family a second chance, and I took that chance,” she said, tearing up.

Flavours of Vietnam owner Mina Dang at the new venue at 18 Nelson Street, Mackay. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“When you go with your passion ... I’m willing to take a risk.

“I’m very proud (but) I don’t feel it’s all about me.

“My staff believe in me ... and I’d love to thank you, Mackay.”

Ms Dang was deeply grateful for the “loyal customers” and business support who helped make the move to Nelson St possible, with twice as much seating and three times as much space overall.

Flavours of Vietnam grand opening at 18 Nelson St, Mackay. Photo: Contributed

She said she was seven when she started helping prepare dinner with her mother Kim Le, who became one of her first cooks at Flavours.

From early days preparing spring rolls together until 2am, Ms Le still helps out at the new venue and is affectionately known as ‘Mum’ by the staff.

Mina Dang's mother Kim Lee at the grand opening of Flavours of Vietnam at 18 Nelson St, Mackay.

Ms Dang said she never shied away from the hard work of building the business or felt herself above even the smallest jobs that need doing.

“I’m the best kitchenhand doing dishes in the whole shop,” she said proudly.

“This is hard work (running a restaurant, and) it’s not many people who can handle that pressure.”

Flavours of Vietnam expanded to a larger venue at 18 Nelson St in late 2023. Photo: Contributed

She said her husband Peter Peawkumdee said she was like “a machine” and that her seven-year-old daughter was “very understanding” about her mum’s long hours at Flavours.

Yet Ms Dang wants to pay forward the spirit of generosity and support she has found in Mackay, saying she wanted to inspire others to follow their passions.

“Have a dream,” she said.

Flavours of Vietnam owner Mina Dang and husband Peter Peawkumdee at the new venue opening. Photo: Contributed

“You can have your food truck. You can have a little take away here.

“I can give you all information that I know, everything I’ve been through, my story, to help you.

“I want to spread out the energy (for you to) believe in yourselves like I believe, and you can be something you haven’t before.”