Tri Tran cofounded Munchery to answer what he says is the most dreaded question: “What’s for dinner?” Launched in 2010, Munchery prepares healthy, locally-sourced meals with the recipes of top local chefs. The menus change daily -- and meals are delivered cold, with simple heating instructions. That’s part of the startup’s secret sauce -- its propriety food chilling technology. That way you can order meals for several days, eat them when you want, and they’ll taste fresh every time.
Munchery has raised $117 million in funding and operates in four markets: San Francisco, New York, Seattle and Los Angeles.
What about your job most excites you?
I enjoy seeing that we make a positive impact on our customers' lives. They eat better; they gain back valuable time for themselves to spend with friends and family, or perhaps get some extra work done.
I also love seeing our employees develop new skills, grow, and take on challenges that they never knew they could handle before.
How many hours do you sleep?
I'd be happy to get 6 on a weeknight. I try to catch up on the weekends, but it's not easy having two active boys.
What do you eat for breakfast?
I often make easy breakfast for the boys and eat the extras. Sunny-side up eggs, simple waffles, for example. But recently, we've been indulging in the Dragon Beaux's dim sum platters that Munchery offers.
If you could pitch to one person, who would it be?
Michelle Obama. I started Munchery because, as a working dad and the cook in my family, I wanted to feel good about the food I fed my two kids. I admire how she's championing that same mission to change Americans' lifestyles and diets. Plus, she's a working mom!
What’s on your home screen?
My iPhone's background screen has a photo that I took of my wife and our 2 boys with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them. The lock screen has myself and the boys; this photo was taken by Munchery's lead photographer.
How often do you exercise?
I try to play a bit of tennis twice a week, but sometimes that may mean just once or none during a busy week.
What app can’t you live without?
Google Maps. I use it all the time when I’m on the road, especially on weekend trips out of the city with my kids.
What's your favorite city and why?
San Francisco. The Bay Area has been my home since I came to America from Vietnam at 11 years old. There's something magical about a place where anyone can build something to change the world. Doesn't hurt that it has great food!
What’s the most important company we’ve never heard of?
FoodRunners, which donates leftover food from businesses and food establishments (including Munchery) to people in need. It's a great grassroots program filling a real need in the city.
Are there any social platforms you refuse to participate in?
None that I specifically refuse to use, but there are definitely platforms I don't use because I don't have the opportunity to.
What are you reading right now?
I'm rereading parts of Setting the Table by Danny Meyer. Making hospitality great is the central theme.
Do you think there’s a tech bubble?
No, but I recognize there are cycles of ups and downs. That said, I think companies with great leadership that add real value to people's lives or a business' bottom line will thrive in one way or another.
Best piece of advice you've been given?
Stay hungry.
What keeps you up at night?
Email :)
If you could tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?
Life is full of ups and downs. Remain steady. Celebrate success but have the resilience to handle and overcome setbacks.
