“We initially launched as South by Southeast Food Co but the trademark was unavailable at the time and when it became available the following year SXSW had already purchased it so we rebranded as SXSE Food Co.”
What's the name of your business and how did you come up with it?
SXSE Food Co (pronounced “Sexy”). South by Southwest (SXSW)is a huge event that happens annually in Austin. We initially launched as South by Southeast Food Co but the trademark was unavailable at the time and when it became available the following year SXSW had already purchased it so we rebranded as SXSE Food Co. It made sense because we’re in the Southern part of the US and we’re serving up Southeast Asian cuisine with a focus on Lao food.
What are your inspirations for being in the food industry?
Oof…. It’s easy to say mom because I was right beside her helping her prep, cook and taste since I was about 10. It was also that time that I would watch Chef Martin Yan on TV and saw how fast he was chopping stuff up. It was quite mesmerizing and I would try to mimic him when helping my mom, of course I got shutdown by mom because she said it was too dangerous to slice and chop that fast.
What were some of your challenges being a Lao business?
Like any other Lao business no one knows what Lao is!
What advice would you give to someone based on your experience?
Don’t start a food truck. It’s a lot of work! But chase after your passion if it fits your desire.
What's your favorite Lao dish?
This is the hardest question ever! It really depends on my mood I guess. When it’s cold definitely Mee Katee. When it’s hot anything fresh and raw with jeow som. For family gathering’s panh anything! I might’ve been the only kid that loves his veggies.
You can find SXSE Food Co listing on here at https://eatlao.com/directory/sxse-food-co/