Check Out Jennifer Phan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Phan.

Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
RDU Asian Eats launched as a Facebook group November of 2022. We’re an extension of CLT Asian Eats, which now has over 13k members. I was born and raised in Raleigh but moved to Charlotte about 7 years ago. I helped build CLT Asian Eats to a community that helps support Asian-owned restaurants and businesses in the area. After starting my own family, I decided to move back to Raleigh and wanted to create that same community for my hometown. As our city is growing, I wanted to create a space where people can share honest reviews, discover hidden gems, and celebrate the incredible diversity of Asian cuisine across the Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Morrisville area.

My family settled here in 1986 as Vietnamese boat refugees. We had a Vietnamese grocery store for years, as well as several nail salons. The Asian community is so important to me because at one point, that’s all we had for support and sense of belonging in a world we were trying to adapt to. I give back whenever I can.

That’s what I wanted to create for RDU Asian Eats: a space that felt like home, where people of all backgrounds could come together to support small businesses, discover new flavors, and feel a sense of belonging.

What started as a passion project has now grown into a vibrant community of thousands. We’ve hosted food meet-ups, partnered with local vendors, supported restaurant openings, and become a trusted voice in the Triangle’s food scene. I never imagined it would grow this quickly, but I think that speaks to how hungry people are. Not just for good food, but for connection and culture.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
RDU Asian Eats started as a vision. I didn’t have a team like I did with CLT Asian Eats. Balancing it with work, motherhood, and everyday life has been a challenge in itself. There were times I questioned whether I could keep it going, especially during the early days when engagement was low or when I felt overwhelmed trying to do it all on my own.

One of the biggest struggles has been making sure the space stays respectful, inclusive, and community-driven as it grows. With thousands of voices in one group, things can get tricky. I have a small team now and our goal is to keep our values: authenticity, culture, and connection.

Another challenge has been finding ways to support small Asian-owned businesses that may not have the budget for marketing or may feel overlooked in mainstream food media. When we hosted and organized the very first NC Asian Eats Restaurant Week, that’s where I felt the community could really step in. So many restaurants participated and a lot of our members were so supportive. It really showed me the potential our area has for this type of social group and that’s what keeps the team going.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
RDU Asian Eats is more than just a food group. It’s a community movement. We specialize in highlighting Asian-owned businesses across the Triangle, from mom-and-pop restaurants and food trucks to local pop-ups and home-based vendors. My team and I curate content, organize meetups, help promote small businesses, and create a space for people to share their culture through food, all while being a very busy paralegal turned stay-at-home mom.

I think we’re known for being real and community-first. Our group isn’t about paid ads or curated influencer posts. It’s everyday people supporting each other, trying new dishes, and uplifting local businesses that often don’t get the spotlight they deserve.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is community, both the one I come from and the one I’m helping to build. As a Vietnamese American, I grew up with a deep appreciation for culture, food, and family. That’s what drives me to create spaces where Asian voices are amplified, our cultures are celebrated, and small businesses are supported.

Through RDU Asian Eats, I’ve been able to connect people not just to great food, but to one another. It’s about more than just where to eat. It’s about making people feel seen and proud of their roots. I care deeply about making sure the next generation, including my own son, grows up feeling proud of where they come from and surrounded by strong, supportive communities.

At the end of the day, it’s not about popularity or numbers. It’s about real people, real impact, and building something that honors where we’ve come from while creating space for where we’re going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdu.asian.eats?igsh=MWIwM2F4cWNhOTliMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1PwCtwY55u/?mibextid=wwXIfr