Today we’d like to introduce you to Lam Dinh.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Before Blended Bistro & Boba ever opened its doors, it started as a dream shared between an engineer and a restaurant worker — a husband and wife with very different careers, but the same passion for food, creativity, and building a place people could call their favorite.
I worked as an engineer. My wife worked in a restaurant. For years, we talked about opening a spot of our own — a place where our family’s hard work, culture, and love for good food could come together. Life kept us busy, but that dream never left our hearts.
Then one ordinary Sunday changed everything.
It was late morning and we were still sleeping in when my aunt — a longtime restaurateur herself — called out of nowhere. She told us she had come across a small store in College Park. The owners were planning to sell, and she thought it might be the perfect opportunity for us.
We didn’t want to waste a moment. After Sunday mass, we drove straight there.
When we walked in, we ordered a drink just to try the place out. On the cup was a little motivational quote we weren’t expecting — simple, but powerful:
“If you can dream it, you can do it.”
It felt like a message meant just for us.
Right then, we knew this was our sign.
We made the deposit that same day.
From that moment, our lives changed. The dream we had talked about for so long was finally becoming real. And the rest — the late nights, the planning, the building, the community, the friendships — is history.
Today, Blended Bistro & Boba stands as a reminder of that Sunday afternoon and that one quote on a cup that pushed us to believe in ourselves.
If you can dream it, you can do it — and we’re living proof.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small businesses, we went through challenges that tested us from the very beginning. COVID hit the restaurant industry hard — uncertainty, shifting rules, and constantly adapting just to stay open. Staffing was another struggle. Finding reliable, long-term team members in a time when everyone was short-staffed was a daily challenge.
On top of that, the restaurant and boba market has become extremely saturated. New stores were opening everywhere, and competition was stronger than ever. But even with all of that, we kept pushing. We focused on consistency, quality, and taking care of our customers. Little by little, we built our own loyal community.
It wasn’t easy — but we survived, we adapted, and we’re still here growing. Those challenges made us stronger and shaped who we are today.
We’ve been impressed with Blended Bistro & Boba, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Blended Bistro & Boba is more than just a restaurant — it’s a place built from passion, family, and community. We specialize in blending modern Asian comfort food with handcrafted boba drinks, creating a menu that’s flavorful, approachable, and made with care. People know us for dishes that feel homemade, drinks that feel fresh and fun, and a hospitality style that makes everyone feel like family the moment they walk in.
What sets us apart is our consistency and authenticity. In a saturated market, we focus on quality over trends. Every recipe, every drink, and every detail is something we’ve personally tested, refined, and stood behind. We don’t just serve food — we serve comfort, connection, and the kind of experience that makes people want to come back with their friends and loved ones.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of staying true to who we are. We’re a family-run business with a clear identity: colorful, warm, modern, and rooted in genuine care. Our story — an engineer and a hardworking restaurant mom chasing a dream — shows in everything we do. Customers feel that authenticity, and it’s why they support us.
We want readers to know that Blended Bistro & Boba is built on heart. We offer handcrafted boba drinks, flavorful food, a welcoming environment, and a team that puts pride into every cup and every plate. Whether someone comes in for a quick treat or a full meal with family, we aim to be the place where people relax, connect, laugh, and feel at home.
At the end of the day, we’re here because of our community — and everything we do is for the people who walk through our doors.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are many ways to connect with us, collaborate, or support what we’re building at Blended Bistro & Boba. First and most importantly, just visiting us and enjoying our food and drinks means the world — every customer who walks through our doors is supporting a family-run business and helping us grow.
We also love partnering with local creators, businesses, schools, and community organizations. Whether it’s hosting events, providing catering, creating custom drinks for special occasions, or collaborating on local festivals and markets, we’re always open to new ideas and meaningful partnerships.
For those looking to work with us, we’re always interested in passionate, hardworking team members who care about customer experience and want to grow with us. As a business built on family values, we treat our staff like part of the family too.
People can also support us by sharing our brand on social media, leaving reviews, recommending us to friends, or even just engaging with our posts — every bit of love helps a small business more than people realize.
In short, whether you want to collaborate, work together, or simply enjoy what we offer, Blended Bistro & Boba is always open to community-driven connections and partnerships. We believe teamwork and community are the heart of our success, and we welcome everyone who wants to be part of our story.
Pricing:
- Boba Drinks: Starting around $5–$7, depending on size and toppings.
- Happy Hour Deals: Seasonal discounts or promotions offered throughout the year
- Catering Packages: Flexible pricing based on group size and menu selection — perfect for parties, offices, or school events.
- Food Items: Most meals range from $10–$14, offering great value and generous portions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blendedbistroboba.com/
- Instagram: @blendedbistroboba
- Facebook: Blended Bistro & Boba
