Mayflower began in 1993 in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, where my parents opened a small shop serving American Chinese food to our local community. The name comes from the historic ship that brought pilgrims to America, a symbol of migration and new beginnings. For my parents, it represented their journey from China to the U.S. in search of a better life.

Now, it represents my own journey from America to Vietnam, bringing with me the flavors and memories I grew up with.

As an American-born Chinese, I was raised between two worlds. At home, I followed traditional values. At school, I was shaped by American culture. That push and pull created an identity struggle that I eventually learned to embrace. Mayflower reflects that blend, combining East and West, tradition and modernity.

This restaurant helped me stop choosing sides and start honoring all the pieces of who I am—my roots, my path, and my growth. My hope is that Mayflower inspires you to do the same: to embrace where you came from, who you are, and who you’re becoming.