Houston's Asian American Journeys: Robin Wong
Produced in partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios and Yetter Coleman LLP
Houstonians have redefined cultural boundaries particularly through fearless culinary forays, and innovators like Robin Wong have continued to put Houston on the map as a destination for globally-inspired and locally-influenced cuisine. As one of the three restaurateurs of Blood Bros. BBQ, Wong and his crew have been recognized by national media and the James Beard Awards for their contributions to the delicious diversity of our great city.
Watch his videos to learn about the unintentional creation of an Asian barbecue fusion restaurant, its unexpected climb to success, and the responsibility that emerges when one becomes a public figure.
On Reinterpreting Barbecue
On Blood Bros. BBQ's Beginnings
On Embracing His Asian American Identity as a Public Figure
About Robin Wong
Robin Wong is a man of many hats. He opened and ran Glitter Karaoke in Alief from 2000–2005, then worked primarily in Club Promotions from 2005–2010. During that time he also dabbled in DJ gigs, Bartending, and being a Lightman. He later re-opened Glitter Karaoke in Midtown in 2010 which continues to be a big hit. His highlighted venture, Blood Bros BBQ, began in 2014. He ran pop-ups and participated in festivals with the two other Blood Brothers, Terry Wong and Quy Hoang, until 2018 where they gained enough support to finally open up shop in Bellaire. To date, they’ve received critical acclaim from the New York Times, Houston Chronicle, Bon Appetit, the Smithsonian Magazine, Houstonia, Texas Monthly, and others.
About Houston's Asian American Journeys
In partnership with the University of St. Thomas MAX Studios, Asia Society Texas presents a new video series, Houston's Asian American Journeys. Through short video interviews with local Asian Americans, the series illuminates the voices that make up a vital part of the most diverse city in the U.S.
Featuring Houstonians who reflect the richness and diversity of the local Asian American communities, the series highlights a variety of experiences, cultures, religions, and ethnicities and explores themes of identity, memory, and shared humanity. In sharing these personal journeys, Asia Society Texas and the University of St. Thomas seek to build empathy and connectivity between people, as well as deepen our collective understanding of Asian American experiences in Houston.
About the University of St. Thomas
The University of St. Thomas is a comprehensive university, grounded in the liberal arts. Committed to the unity of all knowledge, we offer programs in the traditional liberal arts, professional, and skill-based disciplines. Graduates of the University of St. Thomas think critically, communicate effectively, succeed professionally and lead ethically.
By pursuing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service, we embody and instill in our students the core values of our founders, the Basilian Fathers: goodness, discipline and knowledge. We foster engagement in a diverse, collaborative community, and our student body reflects the rich diversity of the city itself. We welcome undergraduate and graduate students of all faiths and of no faith.
About UST Max Studios
In his lifetime, St. Maximilian Kolbe founded and ran a radio station and several publications. It is in this tradition that University of St. Thomas – Houston steps into the realm of digital content creation through MAX Studios. Inspired by St. Maximilian’s passion and emboldened by St. John Paul II’s words in his encyclical “Redemptoris Missio,” MAX Studios’ goal is to provide fresh monthly content and conversation. MAX Studios aims to encounter the surrounding culture while highlighting the diversity of the Catholic Faith Tradition.
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
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