Our team at Anh and Chi is thrilled to announce and celebrate the induction of our leaders, Amélie and Vincent Nguyễn, into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame as Rising Stars. This prestigious honour recognizes not only their dedication and innovation within the industry but also the heart they’ve put into building a space where both our guests and staff feel like family.
At the awards ceremony, the brother-sister duo sat among industry leaders, many of whom were also being recognized for their extraordinary contributions. To witness them humbly walk to the stage, accepting their awards with grace, was a proud moment for all of us who have had the privilege of working alongside them.
During their acceptance speech, they paid a tribute to all those who have helped them build Anh and Chi and its expansion into what it is today. This included their father, who had the vision for an authentic Vietnamese eatery paired with phenomenal cocktails and wine; their mother, who is hardworking, a Michelin Bib Gourmand Chef, and continues to be the first to arrive at Anh and Chi everyday; and their team, who are incredibly talented, fun, caring, and reflect our core values.
Both Amélie and Vincent’s journeys were in healthcare prior to dad passing. Within weeks, all Nguyễn siblings returned home and were ready to step-up to be there for mom and continue building off the legacy and honour of the community. “When I left med school in 2015, I thought I was coming home to help my mother keep afloat our family restaurant after our dad had passed. Never in our wildest dreams did I think we’d be standing here today being recognized for making a difference in our industry, our community. We were taught by our parents that giving back to the community was the highest form of fulfilment, as such, our Reservation by Donation initiative was created.” - Vincent Nguyen.
We at Anh and Chi have seen first hand the hard work, passion, and heart that they put into everything they do. Since the inception of Reservation-by-Donation and thanks to our many wonderful patrons, Anh and Chi has donated over $344,000 in just 3 short years. A seemingly small change of accepting reservations and finding a way to navigate the pandemic has snowballed into so much more. We hope this program continues to grow and inspire change within the industry, fostering a culture of giving back to our communities.
This award isn’t just a reflection of their individual achievements but of the shared values we uphold as a team. With three consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards (2022-2024) and numerous other recognitions, we are honoured to be part of this incredible journey with them. The future holds even more exciting opportunities, and we can’t wait to continue building on this legacy together, enhance guest experiences, and celebrate the indelible mark Amélie and Vincent have had on Anh and Chi and the broader community.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way—this is only the beginning!
