Streetwear and food concepts with the founder of After's Ice Cream: Andy Nguyen

Breaking the Mold

Andy Nguyen is a serial entrepreneur who’s made noise in various industries, including real estate, streetwear, and the food and beverage industry. But he might be most well known as the “mash-up king in the food industry, ” as described by the Food Network. Or the face and founder behind the wildly successful “ Afters Ice Cream.”

With 30 locations in Southern California, Afters Ice Cream isn’t only one of its kind in its approach to business, branding, flavors, decor, and more. They’re also a social media phenomenon, with thousands of people regularly lining up for their store openings and events.

He’s also the innovator and founder behind many other unique food concepts, including Bored & Hungry, Matte Black Coffee, Portside Fish Co, Dough and Arrow, Banh Xeo Boys, and Trill Burgers.

Anyone who’s met Andy can attest to what a kind and inspiring person he is. So when he agreed to be on the podcast, I couldn’t be any more proud to take part in sharing his story.

I initially got introduced to him by attending an event K-swiss was hosting highlighting entrepreneurs, and Andy was one of the speakers. He was there representing his non-profit, Passion Chasers. Another effort he started to help the next generation of dreamers find their own entrepreneurial spark.

It was through hearing his story of feeling out of place growing up, the pressure he felt to follow a traditional career path and the ups and downs he had to go through before finding his stride, that I knew he was a perfect fit for the message I’m trying to spread with Breaking the Mold.

The hope is that people will hear a story like his and feel inspired to follow their own path.

In this episode, he walks us through his experience growing up, the growing pains he had in school while finding his way, how he got introduced and found success in the real estate appraisal business, only to discover his heart wasn’t in it and moving on to creating his streetwear brand IMKING. As well as the story behind the discovery, growth, and success of Afters Ice Cream.

He gives incredible insights and tips on:

• Defining what it means to create something culturally relevant
• The story behind his collaborations including; and how he structures those deals
• What he suggests for someone looking to test their own food concept
• His thoughts on food halls and CloudKitchens
• What he thinks goes into having a strong brand
• The hard times that go on behind the scenes of being an entrepreneur
• His plans moving forward and his new coffee shop with artist Joshua Vides, Matte Black Coffee

Follow Andy’s journey on Instagram @andythenguyen
Show Page: @breakingthemoldpodcast
Host Page: @alysa_scanzano