Turtle Lake Brewing

Turtle Lake Brewing, situated in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, is an internationally recognized craft brewery that has redefined the craft beer scene in the region. As General Manager, I oversaw the build and pre-opening phases, ensuring that everything from brand development to customer experience was perfectly executed. Turtle Lake Brewing quickly became a community hub, offering an exciting mix of craft beer, live music, and cultural events in a stunning lakeside setting. We also opened export markets into Singapore, regional Vietnam, Thailand, and New Zealand.

After an initial 12 months opening the property and establishing local sales, I stayed on for an additional six months to enter into regional and international export. The brewery featured a wide selection of craft beers brewed in-house, complemented by a vibrant food menu and an array of entertainment options, making it a key nightlife destination. Its innovative approach and inviting atmosphere have set a new standard for social and culinary experiences in Hanoi.

Position Scope

Project Role:	General Manager
Team:	70 members
Facility:	Craft brewery with indoor and outdoor seating, events space, and beer garden
Guest Capacity:	Up to 900 guests
Export Markets:	Singapore, regional Vietnam, Thailand, and New Zealand
External Catering Functions:	Up to 5000 guests

Responsibilities

• Directed pre-opening and build phases, focusing on brand positioning, construction management, and staff recruitment.
• Established Turtle Lake Brewing as a popular social destination, offering unique craft beer experiences and live entertainment.
• Worked with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients for brewing, ensuring consistency and excellence in every batch.
• Led marketing efforts to build brand visibility, leveraging local and international media outlets.
• Organized large-scale events and festivals to drive foot traffic and foster community engagement.
• Opened export markets into Singapore, regional Vietnam, Thailand, and New Zealand, expanding the brand's presence beyond Hanoi.
• Managed external catering functions for up to 5000 guests, ensuring smooth operations and high service quality.

Key Skills

• Pre-opening project management with an emphasis on hospitality.
• Brand development and positioning within a competitive market.
• Community building and fostering an inclusive atmosphere for guests.
• Supply chain management for craft brewing ingredients.
• Event planning and execution to increase brand loyalty and community ties.
• Experience in opening export markets into Singapore, regional Vietnam, Thailand, and New Zealand.