Founded in 2012 in Orange County's Little Saigon by brothers Vinh, Quang, Sonny and Ha Nguyen, 7 Leaves Cafe is a coffee shop and cafe that now has more than 40 locations around California, Nevada and Texas. The Nguyen brothers were so worried about disappointing their Vietnamese migrant parents that they kept their side hustle secret until they opened their fifth store. The name "7 Leaves" comes from the seven ingredients used in the chain's popular herbal tea, as well as the seven total co-founders.
Born in Vietnam during a tumultuous period marked by decades of war, the siblings embarked on a perilous journey with their parents in 1983, escaping the confines of the communist nation by boat. Their harrowing ordeal involved running out of fuel, followed by seven days of drifting at sea before being rescued. Subsequently, they found refuge in Palawan, a settlement for refugees in the Philippines. The family's journey continued as they eventually made their way to California, navigating a life of constant movement and economic struggle.
7 Leaves Cafe ownership has taken over a former recycling center on University Avenue in City Heights for the company's first San Diego branch. Like other locations, expect a menu of Vietnamese coffee drinks, fruit and herbal teas, milk teas, and "perfectly crafted" French macarons.
7 Leaves Cafe is expected to open later this year at 4460 University Avenue in San Diego's City Heights. For more information, visit 7leavescafe.com.
