Alvernia alum opens three food businesses in West Reading

By Nikki M. Murry

Uyen “Winnie” Nguyen ’15 has quickly become a fixture in the West Reading business community.

She and her husband, Alex Alfaro, opened three businesses in the borough since 2022: Takkii Ramen on North Sixth Avenue, and Winnie Tea Bar and Winnie Mochi on Penn Avenue. They also own a second Winnie Tea Bar site in Muhlenberg Township, as well as out-of-state locations in Florida and Indiana.

Part of the success of all the businesses, the Muhlenberg High School and Alvernia alumna said, is in their uniqueness, bringing different parts of the world to Berks residents. 
 

“Takkii has traditional and authentic Japanese food, and we highlight anime, even hosting anime-themed nights,” Nguyen said. “The Tea Bar is a brand I created from my love of Taiwanese bubble teas (tea accompanied by chewy tapioca balls). They are our creations made through trial and error. And Winnie Mochi offers Korean wings, corn dogs and Vietnamese coffee. They are pieces of the world.”

Nguyen said she always worked two to three jobs while she was in school. They ran the gamut from nail salon technician (she’s licensed) to bartender (she’s licensed for that, too) to CNA work. Before enrolling at Alvernia, Nguyen earned her certification at Reading Area Community College to be a nurse’s aide.

After completing coursework at Alvernia and earning her degree in biochemistry with a minor in Spanish, she landed a job in the healthcare field. Both she and Alfaro were working at Reading Hospital when Takkii Ramen in West Reading was born.

While meeting with a vendor in New York City, she had a random encounter with the owner of the Takkii Ramen franchise, who asked if she wanted to open a location. Realizing Berks didn’t have any established Ramen locations at the time, Nguyen and her husband grew more intrigued by the possibility, later visiting a location in Bethlehem. Then, a spot opened on North Sixth Avenue in West Reading. A bonus: Most recently the site for El Morro Cafe was already outfitted to be an eatery. And her uncle was the property’s landlord. One might say it was kismet.

Though she didn’t major in business while at Alvernia, Nguyen says her degrees greatly contributed to her new career path as an entrepreneur.

“The general studies curriculum enhanced my daily skill set,” she said. “For instance, prior to attending Alvernia, my English and presentation skills were lacking. I have learned effective communication techniques and gained the confidence to present and express myself clearly. As a business owner, I wear many hats, and I continue to apply my skills in math and accounting to stay organized with bookkeeping, taxes and payroll. I am truly grateful for my decision to pursue Spanish as a minor, as it has significantly enhanced my ability to communicate and connect with both staff and customers. This skill allows me to engage with a more diverse audience.”

Uyen and Alfaro opened Takkii Ramen in early 2022 — one of a half-dozen businesses in West Reading owned by Alvernia alumni — while Uyen was eight months pregnant with her third child. But the bubble tea dream remained. And customers at Takkii Ramen wanted more varieties of the drink.

In March 2023, after the pair had made back most of their investment in Takkii Ramen, they took the plunge on Winnie Tea Bar, amicably parting ways with Reading Hospital. Six months later, the Muhlenberg location opened. Winnie Mochi joined the family in May 2024.

“I had a vision, and you only live once,” Nguyen said. “We believed!”