Pho Lynn: How a Vietnamese Restaurant is Adapting and Growing in San Jose
In the ever-evolving restaurant scene of San Jose, one family-owned establishment stands out not just for its flavorful pho but for its resilience in the face of challenges. Pho Lynn, a Vietnamese eatery, has undergone a significant transformation since its early days as a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant. We had the chance to chat with Luan, the son of Pho Lynn’s founder, to hear about their journey, their pivot to a ghost kitchen, and their exciting plans for the future.
For Luan Bui, running a restaurant has been a family affair filled with challenges, perseverance, and passion.“When we came here, my dad was working from restaurant to restaurant, helping wherever he could. Eventually, he started working at Pho Lynn. After a while, she decided to retire and offered my dad the chance to take over. That’s how we ended up with Pho Lynn.”
Pho Lynn’s original location was on Western Avenue, near Valley Fair Mall in San Jose. “We were in that spot for over eight years, but then COVID hit,” Luan recalls. Like many small businesses, Pho Lynn faced difficulties during the pandemic, but the situation worsened when their landlord sold the property and the new owner demanded over triple the rent promising renovations. “We were paying the higher rent for six months, but nothing changed. Eventually, we had no choice but to find a new place.”
After a long search, Luan and his family decided to shift their business model to a ghost kitchen, which allows them to focus primarily on takeout and delivery. "Moving from a brick-and-mortar to a ghost kitchen was a huge adjustment. We lost foot traffic, and suddenly, everything was online, which was completely new to us." It took about a year for Pho Lynn to stabilize in the new format, but they’ve since found their footing and are preparing for their next phase of growth.
What Makes Pho Lynn Stand Out?
At the heart of Pho Lynn's success is their food, which Luan’s family takes great pride in. "Our pho is our signature dish," Luan says. "It’s my dad's recipe, something he's perfected over the years. Even when we took over the restaurant nine years ago, he kept refining it." Pho Lynn’s beef pho is a favorite among regulars, and their spring rolls also offer a unique twist that sets them apart from other places.
In addition to their core menu, Pho Lynn experiments with seasonal offerings. “Right now, we have umami chicken with a sweet and savory garlic sauce and tomato rice. We try to rotate specials with the seasons, like a spicy beef broth we’re working on for the winter months.”
Looking Ahead: New Locations and a New Concept
Luan is optimistic about the future of Pho Lynn. “The next goal is to find a new brick-and-mortar location, still in the San Jose area,” he says. But that’s not all. Luan and his family are also working on launching a second concept under the Pho Lynn name, focusing on Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and coffee. “We think a quick-service spot with banh mi and coffee would do really well, especially for students and office workers. It’s something we’re excited about."
Advice for Aspiring Restaurateurs
For those looking to enter the restaurant industry, Luan offers some key advice: “Location and the people you work with are so important. I didn’t believe that at first, but now I do. We’ve been through so much, but my team and my family have been with me every step of the way. We wouldn’t be here without them.”