1. You’ve built something truly special with Lu’s Café & Bakery. What inspired you to take the leap and open a space that blends Vietnamese and American flavors so beautifully?
Lu’s Café & Bakery was inspired by the heart of our family—a beautiful mix of cultures including Vietnamese, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Black, Cambodian, Chinese, and American. In the Lu family food is more than just a meal—it’s how we celebrate, connect, and create memories. Our family gatherings are legendary: potluck-style feasts where everyone brings their signature dish. From crispy Vietnamese egg rolls and banh mis to flavorful fried rice, savory empanadas, homemade cookies, and tres leches cake—every bite represents our diversity. And no gathering is complete without a strong, sweet cup of Vietnamese coffee. When we envisioned Lu’s Café, we wanted to bring that same spirit to the Lawrence community—a space that feels like home. A warm, welcoming place where cultures come together, stories are shared, and every guest is treated like family.
2. What was that early chapter like when you first launched Lu’s? What challenges or surprises came with those first few months or years?
We opened Lu’s Café & Bakery in March 2020—just as the world was shutting down. What began as a dream of a cozy, inviting café where people could gather over coffee and fresh-baked treats quickly became something very different. The pandemic forced us to rethink everything. With dine-in service no longer an option, we adapted fast. We shifted to contactless pickup, relied on delivery through Uber Eats and Grubhub, and launched our Happy Cake Campaign—delivering cakes across the Merrimack Valley to spread a little sweetness and joy during uncertain times. As the world changed, so did we. Our team grew, and so did our connection to the community. But our small space started to feel even smaller. When it was finally safe to reopen, we realized we didn’t have the room to welcome guests back safely—our entire space was needed to support our growing team and operations. We navigated supply chain issues, backorders, and rising costs, all while trying to hold onto our original vision—a cozy café that felt like home. Serving through a takeout window made it harder to offer the warmth and hospitality we had always imagined. We often asked ourselves: How do we make people feel like part of the family without a place to gather? Eventually, we knew it was time to grow into a new space—one that could finally reflect the heart behind Lu’s Café & Bakery and bring our full vision to life.
3. Expanding into your new location on Essex Street was a big move—what made you feel it was the right time to grow?
As our business and community grew, it became clear—we had outgrown our little “hole in the wall.” Tucked behind a building in a parking lot, our original location was hidden from foot traffic and could only support takeout and delivery. While we were proud of everything we accomplished in that small space, it simply couldn’t keep up with the dreams we had for Lu’s Café. Our team was expanding, and more and more customers were asking the same question: “Can we come in and sit down?” The truth was, we wanted that too. We missed the heart of our original vision—a true café experience, where people could gather, enjoy a meal, sip coffee, and connect. We realized that in order to grow we needed a space that could hold everything we dreamed of: our team, our community, and the warmth of being together. Essex Street felt like the perfect fit. It gave us the visibility, the space, and the opportunity to finally bring our full vision of Lu’s Café & Bakery to life.
4. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while preparing and opening the new space—and how did you push through them?
Opening our new space was one of the most exciting—and challenging—chapters in our journey. The biggest hurdle? Finding the capital to bring our vision to life and making sure the timing was right. The space on Essex Street started as a blank slate: just concrete walls, completely empty, waiting to be transformed. We had a vision, but we quickly realized the scale of what it would take. Architectural plans, plumbing, electrical, lighting, flooring, ventilation, brand-new equipment, tables, chairs—the list felt endless. We’re bakers and cooks at heart, not builders or contractors, and taking on a construction project of this scale was something entirely new to us. The cost of bringing our dream café to life was beyond what we could afford on our own. That’s when the support of our community truly made the difference. The MassDevelopment TDI Equity Grant played a crucial role in helping us fund the project. Our incredible landlords at the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council also stepped in with additional capital to support the build-out. And we were deeply honored to be selected for the Prospering Lawrence Grant, which helped us secure the flooring and essential equipment we needed to complete the space. Thanks to this collective support, we were able to turn an empty shell into a warm, welcoming café that reflects everything Lu’s stands for—resilience, community, and love through food.
5. How did the local community—residents, nearby businesses, or the City of Lawrence—support you during this transition?
One of the most meaningful parts of opening our new space was realizing just how deeply rooted we are in the Lawrence community. As part of the application process for the MassDevelopment TDI Equity Grant, we were asked to demonstrate community support—and what we received was nothing short of extraordinary. We reached out to our loyal customers, friends, and family for letters of support—and they showed up in full force. We received over 50 letters, the most of any applicant. These weren’t just kind words—they came from all corners of the community: everyday customers, local and regional delegates, city employees, neighboring businesses, and people who believed in our mission and saw the heart behind Lu’s Café & Bakery. Those letters were pivotal in helping us secure the grant. They didn’t just show our dedication—they proved that we’re a part of something bigger. In this process, we learned something we hadn’t fully realized before: just how much the city of Lawrence believes in and supports its small businesses. We’re honored and humbled to be part of such a strong, generous, and passionate community.
6. Looking back on everything it took to open your new café, what are you most proud of—and what does that say about your journey and purpose as a business owner?
We are most proud of being a new business during a time when so many small businesses were forced to close. We somehow came out on the other side but reflecting back on that time reminds of us the true roller coaster of a ride we have been on. Navigating the challenges of being a small business during COVID was like sailing through stormy seas, requiring us to constantly adapt and think creatively. Having no pre-COVID experience turned out to be an advantage, pushing us to tackle obstacles, utilize our resources, rely on our support network, and most importantly, stay focused on our objectives. Our move to our stunning new cafe took over a year to plan and execute, and while it was our biggest endeavor yet, it was absolutely worth it. We continue to learn, grow, embrace challenges, and drive our vision forward. Achieving this milestone was a collective effort, and we couldn't have done it without everyone involved. It truly takes a village. Special thanks to Josefa from Mass Development, Gary from Bell Towers, Vilma from GLCAC, the city of Lawrence and the Mayors office, our construction team, family, friends, and Lu’s crew—each played a crucial role in bringing us to the finish line.
7. As you look ahead, what’s next for Lu’s Café & Bakery? What dreams or goals are still on the horizon?
Our vision is to become an iconic fixture in Lawrence, celebrated for our exceptional coffee, delicious food, and inviting atmosphere. We aspire to be the go-to spot where friends gather, out-of-town guests are welcomed, and city residents proudly showcase us as a beloved part of their community. We aim to be the local cafe that feels like family, a place where warmth and connection thrive. We hope to one day host vibrant community events, kid center activities, parties, celebrations, and more. We want to be the bustling hub of Lawrence. We take immense pride in our roots here in Lawrence and are thrilled to continue growing alongside our community, fostering connections and creating cherished memories.
