For Fort Worth native Hao Tran, the culinary journey has been a lifelong passion, with roots that stretch back to her childhood in Vietnam. Now, after years of running successful supper clubs, a thriving grocery business, and teaching culinary arts, Tran is embarking on her most ambitious project yet – the opening of a 4,000-square-foot Vietnamese restaurant called Duong DeVille.
Hao Tran’s Background
Tran’s love for food and hospitality began at a young age, when she would accompany her father to visit his family’s restaurant in Montreal during the summer. “That’s where I learned the art of Vietnamese cooking and the joy of bringing people together around the table,” she recalls. After the family’s move to the United States following the fall of Saigon, Tran’s culinary skills only grew, as she honed her craft while teaching at Trimble Tech High School in Fort Worth.
In 2019, Tran opened Hao’s Grocery & Café, a vibrant Asian-focused market and eatery that quickly became a local favorite, known for its freshly made dumplings and commitment to regional specialties. “It was a natural progression from the supper club business I started years ago,” she explains. “I wanted to share the flavors of my heritage with the community.”
The Fort Worth Restaurant Scene
The Fort Worth dining landscape has evolved rapidly in recent years, with a growing appetite for diverse, authentic cuisines. “People here are really open-minded and adventurous when it comes to food,” Tran observes. “They’re eager to discover new flavors and experiences.” This shift has created an opportunity for ambitious chefs and restaurateurs like Tran to make their mark.
Hao Tran’s Current Restaurant
At Hao’s Grocery & Café, Tran has cultivated a loyal following, serving up family recipes from the western and southern regions of Vietnam. “Our customers love the depth of flavor in our dishes, from the rich beef pho to the delicate steamed dumplings,” she says. The market’s small-batch groceries, including regional meats, cheeses, and specialty pantry items, have also become a draw for home cooks seeking authentic ingredients.
Expansion Plans
Tran’s next chapter will unfold in the form of Duong DeVille, a Vietnamese restaurant that will be located in the Entrepreneur Park development in White Settlement, just outside of Fort Worth. The 4,000-square-foot space will feature a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a private dining room and a dedicated dumpling-making shop.
“This is my dream project,” Tran enthuses. “It’s an evolution, a chance to share my family’s culinary heritage on a larger scale.” The restaurant’s name, which translates to “sweet street DeVille,” pays homage to her late father’s prized Cadillac DeVille, a symbol of his generosity and joie de vivre.
Challenges and Considerations
As Tran prepares to embark on this new venture, she acknowledges the financial and operational challenges that come with scaling up. “It’s a significant investment, but I’m fortunate to have the support of the Frank Kent Cadillac dealership family, who are redeveloping the Entrepreneur Park area,” she explains. “They’ve been incredibly helpful in making this project a reality.”
One of Tran’s main concerns is ensuring a smooth transition from her existing Hao’s Grocery & Café location. “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to manage both businesses, so I may need to find a manager or even a buyer for the grocery,” she admits. “But my focus is on making Duong DeVille a success.”
Community Engagement
Tran’s commitment to the local community has been a hallmark of her culinary ventures, and Duong DeVille will be no exception. “I want this restaurant to be a gathering place, not just for Vietnamese diners, but for anyone who appreciates good food and wants to learn more about our culture,” she says.
To that end, Tran plans to incorporate vintage family photographs and other nostalgic elements into the restaurant’s design, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. She also envisions hosting cooking classes, community events, and collaborations with local organizations to share her passion for Vietnamese cuisine.
Market Analysis
Tran’s research suggests that the White Settlement area, with its growing population and proximity to the rapidly developing Walsh and Parker County regions, presents a prime opportunity for a new Vietnamese restaurant. “There’s a real demand for authentic, high-quality Asian cuisine in this part of Fort Worth,” she observes. “And I believe Duong DeVille can fill that niche.”
By focusing on family recipes, handcrafted dishes, and a welcoming ambiance, Tran hopes to attract a diverse customer base, from local residents to visitors drawn to the area’s burgeoning development. “We want Duong DeVille to be a destination, a place where people can immerse themselves in the flavors and traditions of Vietnam,” she says.
Design and Branding
Tran has worked closely with the Frank Kent Cadillac team to ensure that Duong DeVille’s design and branding reflect her family’s rich history and the restaurant’s unique concept. “The vintage Cadillac theme is a nod to my father’s cherished car, and it will be woven throughout the space,” she explains. “We want customers to feel like they’re stepping back in time, but with a modern, elevated twist.”
In addition to the nostalgic decor, Tran plans to showcase Vietnamese art, ceramics, and other cultural artifacts, creating a multisensory experience for diners. “It’s important to me that Duong DeVille is not just a restaurant, but a true celebration of my heritage and the spirit of hospitality that I learned from my family,” she says.
As Hao Tran prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, she remains grateful for the support of her community and the opportunity to share her passion for Vietnamese cuisine with a wider audience. “This is the culmination of a lifelong dream,” she reflects. “I can’t wait to welcome guests to Duong DeVille and show them the flavors and stories that have shaped my life.”