Maine SBDC Business Advisor Since 2025

Advising Specialties: Food and beverage operations, start-ups, start-up financing, multi-unit expansion, employee retention, sustainable employment practices, POS systems, food costs, labor models, financial projections, business planning

Professional Background: Vien has over 15 years of experience working in many stages of a small business’ life cycle: from starting up and national expansion, to restructuring and winding down. Consistent throughout each industry that he’s worked in has been a focus on product and service excellence, job quality, and balancing quality with scale. He has opened and operated 3 nationally acclaimed food businesses in Maine.

Prior to his work in hospitality businesses, Vien worked in public and special education.

Recognition & Awards: Bon Appetit Best New Restaurants 2014, James Beard Foundation Semifinalist 2018 & 2019, James Beard Foundation Finalist 2020 & 2022, New York Times Best Restaurants in America 2021, Esquire Best New Restaurants in America 2024