I Am Northwest Arkansas® From Refugee Roots to Culinary Pioneer The Story Behind House 1830 in Rogers
About the Show:
"I don't need to be the best for two reasons. One is, we want to first reset what the standard taste and flavors and experience should be for Southeast Asian cuisine."
– Binh Hoang
In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Binh Hoang, the visionary behind House 1830 in Downtown Rogers. Born in a Thai refugee camp to Vietnamese parents, Binh shares how his family’s story—and the broader Southeast Asian immigrant experience—inspired the mission, strategy, and storytelling behind House 1830.
While Binh focuses on the vision, historical context, and strategic direction of the restaurant, he credits his sister-in-law, Chef Be, as the Executive Chef and culinary force behind the menu. Together, they craft more than just food—they create immersive cultural experiences that educate, connect, and inspire the Northwest Arkansas community.
From humble beginnings building a food booth in his driveway to launching a restaurant known for its authenticity and heart, Binh’s story is a powerful blend of resilience, family legacy, and bold purpose. Whether you’re a food lover, entrepreneur, or local community supporter, this episode offers insights on leadership, heritage, and building a business with soul.
Key Takeaways:
- Purpose Before Profit: Binh’s story shows the power of focusing on experience and mission instead of chasing money, which builds stronger businesses and communities.
- The Standard, Not the Best: House 1830 is striving to be the touchstone for authentic Southeast Asian cuisine in NWA, helping educate locals on ingredients, techniques, and cultural context.
- Family, Resilience, and Roots: Hear how Binh’s journey from refugee camps to restaurateur is woven into the DNA of House 1830, and why family recipes and history matter.
- Night Markets & Community: House 1830’s Night Market brings the magic of Southeast Asian night markets to Rogers, sparking connection and cultural awareness through food.
- Advice for Young Professionals: Put pride in your work, lead with curiosity, and become “the standard”—change comes from those who commit fully, especially in a region growing as fast as the Ozarks.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- 106 W Elm St #102, Rogers, AR 72756
- (479) 278-7016
- Website: House1830.com
- Instagram: @house1830 (Menu updates, events, Night Market info)
- Chef’s Feast & Night Market Event details: Find tickets and announcements on Night Market
Event:
- Night Market Event at House 1830 – Seasonal, featuring Southeast Asian street food, candlelit ambiance, and community gathering
This episode is sponsored by*
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Mentioned in this episode:
ONBoardNWA.com
Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.
Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
FindItNWA.com
Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"