Getting to Know: Sprig & Sprout

Jen’s journey with food began long before she opened Sprig & Sprout. Growing up in a family where cooking was a central part of life, Jen was always surrounded by the rich aromas and vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. "Food's just a big part of my family. Everybody in my family cooks. I was raised cooking. Food for us is a lot more than just because you're hungry. It's a whole social family dynamic thing," Jen says. This cultural and familial bond with food eventually led her to explore various culinary styles, including a transformative trip to Vietnam with her mother, where she worked in several kitchens to better understand the nuances of Vietnamese cooking.

However, Jen’s foray into the restaurant business was not just about replicating traditional dishes; it was about making Vietnamese food more accessible to a broader audience. Reflecting on the early days of Sprig & Sprout, Jen said, "The idea behind Sprig & Sprout was just more accessibility. We wanted to open the demographic that we were serving as well. Honestly, back in the day, Vietnamese restaurants were mainly for Vietnamese people." With this vision, Sprig & Sprout was born—offering a streamlined menu that highlights the most popular and beloved Vietnamese dishes, with a focus on catering and delivery to meet the needs of busy urban dwellers.

For Jen, cooking is not just about following a recipe—it's an art form that requires balance, consistency, and authenticity. He emphasizes the importance of creating dishes that resonate with her personal standards, rather than trying to cater to every individual’s taste preferences. "Ultimately, I can only make the best something that I can be proud of, something I served my friends and family," Jen explained. This commitment to quality is evident in every dish at Sprig & Sprout, where the focus is on delivering a consistent and authentic experience to every customer.

The name "Sprig & Sprout" itself reflects this philosophy. "It's all about the herbs and the vegetables," Jen noted, highlighting the freshness and vibrancy that are hallmarks of Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant’s offerings, such as their popular pho and banh mi, exemplify this balance of flavors—combining savory meats, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables to create a harmonious dining experience.

Like many in the restaurant industry, Sprig & Sprout faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Jen and her team were able to weather the storm thanks to their foresight and adaptability. "We were actually pretty lucky. We always try to be a step ahead, see the changes," Jen said, explaining how they had already begun upgrading their technology and online systems before the pandemic hit. This preparation allowed Sprig & Sprout to quickly pivot to a delivery and takeout model, minimizing the impact of the crisis on their business.

Looking to the future, Sprig & Sprout is exploring new avenues to bring their food to even more people. Jen revealed plans to expand into local grocery stores, starting with a partnership with Union Market. "We're hoping to get some of our big ticket items onto store shelves," she said. Ther move aligns with Jen’s ongoing mission to fill the gaps she sees in the market—whether it's providing catering options when none existed or offering high-quality Vietnamese products in grocery stores where current offerings fall short.

Beyond the food, Sprig & Sprout is deeply connected to the local community. Jen’s family is actively involved with a small Buddhist temple in Maryland, which plays a significant role in their lives. "It's a small, basically the temple's in a residential area in Maryland, and it houses all the female monks and they do prayer there. They do worships there. They do community events there," Jen shared, describing the peaceful and welcoming atmosphere of the temple. This connection to the temple is just one example of how Sprig & Sprout extends its influence beyond the kitchen, fostering a sense of community and giving back in meaningful ways.