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Our History

Kei Concepts started as a small team with a big goal: to celebrate culture, community, and innovation. Led by AAPI founders and women in key roles, each step forward reflects our roots and our commitment to building something meaningful. Kei Concepts is more than just restaurants—it’s about creating spaces we’re proud to share with our community.

Rol Hand Roll Bar - Fountain Valley

Following the success of our culinary ventures, ROL Hand Roll Bar proudly opened its second location in Fountain Valley, just a short distance from the original.

Nep Cafe - Irvine

After reigning as Fountain Valley's favorite brunch destination, NEP Cafe brings its French-Vietnamese cuisine to Irvine, along with the introduction of a long-awaited dinner service. This is a significant milestone for us, extending our commitment to offer exquisite flavors and culinary craftsmanship from morning to evening.

Gem Dining

Gem Dining's brief hiatus represents a strategic rethinking, a pause to recalibrate and innovate, ensuring that when we return, it's with an experience that integrates newness with our foundational values.

Kei Supper Club

As Kei Concepts grows, so does our understanding of our clientele's needs. With the introduction of the Kei Concepts Family Friendly Initiative, we're ensuring dining is an inclusive and enjoyable experience for every family member.

2023

Rol Hand Roll Bar - Fountain Valley

Following the success of our culinary ventures, ROL Hand Roll Bar proudly opened its second location in Fountain Valley, just a short distance from the original.

Nep Cafe - Irvine

After reigning as Fountain Valley's favorite brunch destination, NEP Cafe brings its French-Vietnamese cuisine to Irvine, along with the introduction of a long-awaited dinner service. This is a significant milestone for us, extending our commitment to offer exquisite flavors and culinary craftsmanship from morning to evening.

Gem Dining

Gem Dining's brief hiatus represents a strategic rethinking, a pause to recalibrate and innovate, ensuring that when we return, it's with an experience that integrates newness with our foundational values.

2023

Rol Hand Roll Bar - Fountain Valley

Following the success of our culinary ventures, ROL Hand Roll Bar proudly opened its second location in Fountain Valley, just a short distance from the original.

Nep Cafe - Irvine

After reigning as Fountain Valley's favorite brunch destination, NEP Cafe brings its French-Vietnamese cuisine to Irvine, along with the introduction of a long-awaited dinner service. This is a significant milestone for us, extending our commitment to offer exquisite flavors and culinary craftsmanship from morning to evening.

2023

Rol Hand Roll Bar - Fountain Valley

Following the success of our culinary ventures, ROL Hand Roll Bar proudly opened its second location in Fountain Valley, just a short distance from the original.

2023

2014_SUPBP.jpg

SUP Noodle Bar

Buena Park

In 2014, Buena Park, Orange County, was the stage where co-founder and CEO, Viet Nguyen, reimagined pho at Súp Noodle Bar, while Founding Partner, Neo Du, elevated front-of-house hospitality. The following year, Ivy Ha, our current CEO, began her leadership journey as a manager at SUP Noodle Bar.

2014

2016_Pango Taqueria.png

Pango Taqueria

Intent on bringing something special to Little Saigon, Viet and Neo brought a vision to life with Pango Taqueria in Fountain Valley with the help of Chef Edward Huang, where, despite the hurdles, proved to be a notable chapter in the company's history.

Fountain Valley

2016

2017_VOX.jpg

VOX Kitchen

Fountain Valley

The lessons learned from Pango's establishment led to the inception of The Vox Kitchen in 2017, quickly establishing itself as a fusion food haven.

2017_SUP Cerritos.jpg

SUP Noodle Bar

The demand for SUP Noodle Bar's distinctive flavors led to the opening of another location in Cerritos, showcasing our growing customer base's enthusiasm.

Cerritos
2017_SUP Torrance.jpg

SUP Noodle Bar

Torrance

In 2016, Kei Concepts had the opportunity to collaborate with the H-mart food court for six months. This Sup Noodle Bar location served as a valuable learning experience for his team and has remained one of his favorite pop-up experiences to date.

2017

2018_Kei Concepts HQ.png

Kei HQ

Huntington Beach

Alongside our restaurant expansions, Kei Concepts HQ has relocated from a modest space in Fountain Valley to a more spacious location in Huntington Beach, reflecting our continued growth and evolution.

2018

2019_GEM.jpeg

GEM Dining

Fountain Valley

In August 2019, Kei Concepts opened Gem Dining, our first dip into the upscale dining scene. At the time of its opening, it was regarded by food critics as “the most impressive non-Vietnamese restaurant in Little Saigon ever.” With Chef Edward's expertise, it eventually earned a spot in the 2022 Michelin Guide.

2019

2020_NEP.jpg

NEP Cafe

Fountain Valley

As the pandemic continued, August 2020 saw NEP Cafe bringing comfort to the community with nostalgic Vietnamese-French coffee and brunch, a nod to the traditional Vietnamese mornings that many longed for during uncertain times.

IMG_8884.jpg

SUP Noodle Bar

That same month, our adaptability was once again on display as SUP Noodle Bar received a warm welcome at its new Irvine location, demonstrating our brand's growing appeal and resilience.

Irvine

2020 was the year that flipped the world upside down. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry suffered immensely; Kei Concepts knew that there were only two options: standby and suffer irreparable damage, or power through and emerge stronger than ever before - naturally, they chose the latter.

2020

2021_ROL.jpg

ROL Hand Roll Bar

Huntington Beach

In August 2021, Kei Concepts tapped into the hand roll trend, transforming a space within five weeks to launch OC's first hand-roll-focused eatery, a testament to our team's rapid innovation.

2021_KIN.jpg

KIN Izakaya

Fountain Valley

By October 2021, KIN, which began as a pop-up two years prior, opened its flagship location, fully embodying Kei Concepts' vision and offering a broad spectrum of izakaya dishes.

2021

Kei Concepts HQ

Alongside our restaurant expansions, Kei Concepts HQ also began in a modest space in Fountain Valley, symbolizing our growing roots.

2018

2022_INI.jpg

INI Ristorante

Fountain Valley

June 2022 marked another innovation with Ini Ristorante, bringing Japanese-inspired Italian cuisine to Little Saigon for the first time, further enriching Fountain Valley's culinary scene.

2022_SGC.jpg

Saigon Grand Center

Fountain Valley

Branching out, KEI Events began crafting memorable experiences, blending creativity with high-quality production. This year, we've extended our reach through speaking engagements and podcasts, creating unforgettable moments and reinforcing our brand's impact.

2022

Gem Dining

In August 2019, Kei Concepts opened Gem Dining, our first dip into the upscale dining scene. At the time of its opening, it was regarded by food critics as “the most impressive non-Vietnamese restaurant in Little Saigon ever.” With Chef Edward's expertise, it eventually earned a spot in the 2022 Michelin Guide.

2019

Sup Noodle Bar - Buena Park

In 2014, Buena Park, Orange County, was the stage where co-founder and CEO, Viet Nguyen, reimagined pho at Súp Noodle Bar, while Founding Partner, Neo Du, elevated front-of-house hospitality. The following year, Ivy Ha, our current CEO, began her leadership journey as a manager at SUP Noodle Bar.

2014

2024_Kei Coffee House.jpg

Kei Coffee House

Westminster

Kei Coffee House blends the best of global coffee culture with a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Little Saigon. From handcrafted coffee and specialty drinks to freshly baked pastries made in-house, we’re all about creating an inviting space where everyone feels at home.

2024_ROL Irvine.jpg

ROL Hand Roll Bar

ROL Hand Roll Bar has made its way to Irvine! Our third location has been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to bring our signature hand rolls, rice bowls, and more to this vibrant community.

Irvine
_DJC3094.jpg

New Endeavors

Here’s to the past chapters that have shaped us and the blank pages ahead, ready for the next steps in our journey of growth and opportunity.

2024

Nep Cafe

As the pandemic continued, August 2020 saw NEP Cafe bringing comfort to the community with nostalgic Vietnamese-French coffee and brunch, a nod to the traditional Vietnamese mornings that many longed for during uncertain times.

SUP IRVINE

That same month, our adaptability was once again on display as SUP Noodle Bar received a warm welcome at its new Irvine location, demonstrating our brand's growing appeal and resilience.

2020

2020 was the year that flipped the world upside down. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry suffered immensely; Kei Concepts knew that there were only two options: standby and suffer irreparable damage, or power through and emerge stronger than ever before - naturally, they chose the latter.

2016

Pango Taqueria

Intent on bringing something special to Little Saigon, Viet and Neo brought a vision to life with Pango Taqueria in Fountain Valley with the help of Chef Edward Huang, where, despite the hurdles, proved to be a notable chapter in the company's history.

ROL

In August 2021, Kei Concepts tapped into the hand roll trend, transforming a space within five weeks to launch OC's first hand-roll-focused eatery, a testament to our team's rapid innovation.

KIN

By October 2021, KIN, which began as a pop-up two years prior, opened its flagship location, fully embodying Kei Concepts' vision and offering a broad spectrum of izakaya dishes.

2021

2017

The Vox Kitchen - Fountain Valley

The lessons learned from Pango's establishment led to the inception of The Vox Kitchen in 2017, quickly establishing itself as a fusion food haven.

Sup Noodle Bar - Cerritos

The demand for SUP Noodle Bar's distinctive flavors led to the opening of another location in Cerritos, showcasing our growing customer base's enthusiasm.

Sup Noodle Bar - Torrance

In 2016, Kei Concepts had the opportunity to collaborate with the H-mart food court for six months. This Sup Noodle Bar location served as a valuable learning experience for his team and has remained one of his favorite pop-up experiences to date.

2022_ROl.jpg

ROL Hand Roll Bar

Fountain Valley

Following the success of our culinary ventures, ROL Hand Roll Bar proudly opened its second location in Fountain Valley, just a short distance from the original.

2023_NEP.jpg

NEP Cafe

Irvine

After reigning as Fountain Valley's favorite brunch destination, NEP Cafe brings its French-Vietnamese cuisine to Irvine, along with the introduction of a long-awaited dinner service. This is a significant milestone for us, extending our commitment to offer exquisite flavors and culinary craftsmanship from morning to evening.

_DJC0022.jpg

GEM Dining

Gem Dining's brief hiatus represents a strategic rethinking, a pause to recalibrate and innovate, ensuring that when we return, it's with an experience that integrates newness with our foundational values.

2023_KSC.png

Kei Supper Club

As Kei Concepts grows, so does our understanding of our clientele's needs. With the introduction of the Kei Concepts Family Friendly Initiative, we're ensuring dining is an inclusive and enjoyable experience for every family member.

2023

2024_Kei Coffee House.jpg

Kei Coffee House

Westminster

Kei Coffee House blends the best of global coffee culture with a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Little Saigon. From handcrafted coffee and specialty drinks to freshly baked pastries made in-house, we’re all about creating an inviting space where everyone feels at home.

2024_ROL Irvine.jpg

ROL Hand Roll Bar

Irvine

ROL Hand Roll Bar has made its way to Irvine! Our third location has been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to bring our signature hand rolls, rice bowls, and more to this vibrant community.

2024

_DJC3094.jpg

New Endeavors

Here’s to the past chapters that have shaped us and the blank pages ahead, ready for the next steps in our journey of growth and opportunity.

INI

June 2022 marked another innovation with Ini Ristorante, bringing Japanese-inspired Italian cuisine to Little Saigon for the first time, further enriching Fountain Valley's culinary scene.

SGC

Branching out, KEI Events began crafting memorable experiences, blending creativity with high-quality production. This year, we've extended our reach through speaking engagements and podcasts, creating unforgettable moments and reinforcing our brand's impact.

2022

Rol Hand Roll Bar - Fountain Valley

Following the success of our culinary ventures, ROL Hand Roll Bar proudly opened its second location in Fountain Valley, just a short distance from the original.

Nep Cafe - Irvine

After reigning as Fountain Valley's favorite brunch destination, NEP Cafe brings its French-Vietnamese cuisine to Irvine, along with the introduction of a long-awaited dinner service. This is a significant milestone for us, extending our commitment to offer exquisite flavors and culinary craftsmanship from morning to evening.

Gem Dining

Gem Dining's brief hiatus represents a strategic rethinking, a pause to recalibrate and innovate, ensuring that when we return, it's with an experience that integrates newness with our foundational values.

Kei Supper Club

As Kei Concepts grows, so does our understanding of our clientele's needs. With the introduction of the Kei Concepts Family Friendly Initiative, we're ensuring dining is an inclusive and enjoyable experience for every family member.

2023

Kei Coffee House

Kei Coffee House blends the best of global coffee culture with a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Little Saigon. From handcrafted coffee and specialty drinks to freshly baked pastries made in-house, we’re all about creating an inviting space where everyone feels at home.

ROL Hand Roll Bar - Irvine

ROL Hand Roll Bar has made its way to Irvine! Our third location has been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to bring our signature hand rolls, rice bowls, and more to this vibrant community.

2024

_DJC3094.jpg

New Endeavors

Here’s to the past chapters that have shaped us and the blank pages ahead, ready for the next steps in our journey of growth and opportunity.

2025

2020_NEP.jpg

NEP Cafe

Fountain Valley

As the pandemic continued, August 2020 saw NEP Cafe bringing comfort to the community with nostalgic Vietnamese-French coffee and brunch, a nod to the traditional Vietnamese mornings that many longed for during uncertain times.

IMG_8884.jpg

SUP Noodle Bar

That same month, our adaptability was once again on display as SUP Noodle Bar received a warm welcome at its new Irvine location, demonstrating our brand's growing appeal and resilience.

Irvine

2020

2020 was the year that flipped the world upside down. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry suffered immensely; Kei Concepts knew that there were only two options: standby and suffer irreparable damage, or power through and emerge stronger than ever before - naturally, they chose the latter.

2020

SUP NOODLE BAR

THE VOX KITCHEN

GEM DINING

NEP CAFE

KIN IZAKAYA

PANGO TAQUERIA

SOT

ROL

INI RISTORANTE

KEI COFFEE HOUSE

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