Tay Ho, a cherished Vietnamese restaurant located on University Avenue in St. Paul, has closed its doors after two decades of serving the community. The restaurant, which opened in 2005, was a cornerstone for many locals who enjoyed its authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Phuong Nguyen, who co-owned the restaurant with Michael Nguyen, announced the closure on Facebook, citing ‘an unfortunate situation’ as the reason behind the decision. Despite attempts to reach the owners for further details, no additional information was provided.
The closure has left a significant impact on the community, with many longtime customers expressing their sadness. Maria Huynh, a friend of the owners and a regular patron since the restaurant’s opening, shared her fond memories of enjoying her favorite dish, bún bò Huế, at Tay Ho. ‘They have the best bún bò Huế in St. Paul,’ Huynh remarked, adding that she plans to wait for the restaurant’s potential reopening rather than finding a replacement.
A Community Staple
Tim Patterson, another loyal customer, reminisced about the family-like atmosphere at Tay Ho. ‘It’s always been fun here,’ he said, recalling the camaraderie he experienced over the years. Patterson, who frequented the restaurant multiple times a week before retiring, expressed hope that the Nguyen family would find success elsewhere.
The closure comes amid broader challenges faced by small businesses in St. Paul, particularly following the impact of Operation Metro Surge. Tay Ho had previously shown signs of financial struggle, receiving a $5,000 COVID-19 Restaurant Relief Grant in 2021. However, the restaurant managed to bounce back, thanks to its devoted customer base.
Laurie and Steve McGraw, longtime patrons, shared their close relationship with the Nguyen family, evidenced by the bracelets Laurie received over the years. The couple expressed their support for the owners and their hope for a new location for the restaurant.
Giovanni Carlevarino, introduced to Tay Ho by his father, echoed the sentiments of other customers, expressing optimism that the restaurant would reopen in a different part of the city. ‘I’m sad but this is not a kind of end-all be-all situation. It is more of a ‘see you later,’’ Carlevarino concluded.
As the community bids farewell to Tay Ho, many hold onto the hope that the Nguyen family will find a new home for their beloved restaurant, continuing to serve the dishes that have brought joy to so many over the years.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
