Pho and family: Grad school student son helps dad run struggling NY Chinatown Vietnamese restaurant

[@ForeverSweetx3]

This is so beautiful. I remember being embarrassed bc my dad drove a beat up van for his work. He would drive me to school each morning and I would tell him to drop me off a block away. In 8th grade, I realized how hard he worked to provide for the family. One morning I told him to drop me off in front of the school. He was so surprised and thrilled! And whenever classmates would ask, I would proudly say - "Yeah! That's my dad's truck! Is there a problem?!" I was proud to be dropped off in a broken down van bc it represented all my dad did for his family.

[@zissou4978]

Heartwarming and relatable comment :)) ❤️

[@thanh-ansam8292]

Reading your comment brings me to 😢. Glad you realized what your dad did for your family.

[@KaleHello]

My family drove old cars all their life, it allowed me to see no matter what one drives, as long as it functions, it can get you to places. Money towards other neccessities come a long way

[@musicabs4675]

Same story but i was alredy a proud girl maybe i was mature for my age

[@minhtrinh8974]

As a father & a dad myself , I deeply feel & understand & feel happy for your dad to have a son like you , we all work hard for the family unconditionally .

[@commentator245]

Instead of going out on the weekends, he chooses to help out his family instead. Admirable.

[@kokonana4086]

I'm totally with the dad on the issue of photos . It's way easier for customers to order food by just looking at the photos.

[@stee8345]

Oh yeah for sure esp with Vietnamese food

[@alankwok17hk]

yes, I am chinese and don't know what the food look like

[@gedam7026]

Dad knows his clientele more than his son..that's why he wants to keep the photos

[@chanalexa6923]

Yes! We ,as tourists need photos of the dishes Perhaps a nicer photoshoot, but drawing won’t do Listen to dad, Tony

[@andyzhang7661]

Yea, I definitely agree too. Tony’s vision of the menu would only really work on other Vietnamese people who know all the food on the menu and what they are so they don’t need visuals and can easily order what they want. However, that’s probably only a small percentage of all the customers they have so Tony’s dad suggestion on more photos on the menu is better.

[@br_7ce662]

It’s crazy that no matter how hard it is when humans come together we can be stronger and succeed. I honestly loved how the son and dad have this amazing bond and they will probably be helping each other forever. All the best to this family.

[@gens0kyo]

🙏🏿

[@magl1003]

I'm not old but I agree with the dad. The menu needs pictures. I like seeing the visuals when I'm ordering food (especially with unknown dishes) and sometimes the pictures might even convince me to order more food.

[@andyzhang7661]

I definitely agree with the dad’s vision on the menu having more photos. Tony’s vision of the menu would only really work on other Vietnamese people who know all the food on the menu and what they are so they don’t need visuals and can easily order what they want. However, that’s probably only a small percentage of all the customers they have so Tony’s dad suggestion on having more photos on the menu is better for people who don’t know what the dish is and how it looks like.

[@selenahong]

Agreed! I went to a Vietnamese restaurant with hardly any photos on the menu, and I had to look up everything onlinr because I had no idea what anything was.

[@julymaisel85]

@@selenahong i do the same thing, whenever i am at a new restaurant.

[@butterflypeaofficial5482]

new generations are concern more about looks that doesn't make money. i agree with the dad. the restaurant is in China town. target customers are not the same. it needs to attract to the right target customers.

[@KA-eu9sy]

Seeing photos on any menu. Asian or western food. Makes my appetite go wild. Makes me want to order everything. Put photos on the menu. The more the better.

[@empressoftheskies]

Gimme all the photos!

[@mistybehaviours]

This is how it should be , most Asian children are like this, because we know how much our parents struggled just to give us a better life, i relate so much to this story.

[@wanefelicia8779]

Many parents who abused and werent there for their kids tho shouldnt expect the same ✌

[@OpiumBride]

@@wanefelicia8779 that's a given and doesn't need to even be said . My parents were horribly abusive to me and to their last days on this planet I was not there for them.

[@robzsarmy5471]

The Western upbringing is just very different when it comes to Parents. In the West you are seen as a loser if you are 21 and still live with your parents but in most asian countries a lot of asian children don't live the house till they get married .

[@droptopp3479]

@Mr. Potatoes Felix younger gen only think like tht because thy arent mature yet. I used to think like those younger gen, but after graduating and going to college and see my parents grow old and weaker, i can see tht i hvent gone thru anything tougher than thy hve gone thru. Our parents deserve much more for being immigrants to a new country. Also we need to embrace our cultures more than stray away from it.

[@alvinalmonte7161]

Tony is so admirable with his family oriented values.

[@SmirkandShare]

👺👺👺👺👺😡😡😡😡🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🤤🤢🤢🤢🤢🤢🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶😈😈😈😈😈😈😈

[@TheBagman1977]

My family ate here this week and this was some of the best food we’ve ever had. Super friendly people! I hope they are still around for a long time. And we used the pictures on the menu to help us decide on what to order, so Dad is right 😁

[@gens0kyo]

Family is irreplaceable. I wish this family and all others the best.

[@dycinnagy]

The things we take for granted doesnt equate to the things our parents sacrificed for us, so we are fulfilled and can live out our dreams. This video is a reminder how blessed I am.

[@markclinton8681]

Hey 🌹

[@prabhakarrao4922]

So very true

[@ytlam2656]

I admire the positive attitude that Tony has, putting his family as first priority. I am touched by his appreciation on his dad’s hard work. He will be successful wherever he goes.

[@tcruise77]

Hey Tony, photos can help customers to decide easier what food they would like to have which will greatly helped them make decisive choices. Billboard advertisers don't use ALL words with no graphics to represent their products mate. We are visual creatures.

[@fiercevfx202]

Having photos online & on menus make the difference between going to a new restaurant and not going. Even what his father said, foreigners may not speak english and will point to the photo. Visual representation is important!

[@ninetailsgaming2919]

I think they should have had 2 menus. One with just words and one that’s just references in case someone needs it. To be fair classiness is kind of nice sometimes.

[@knock-knockwhosthere9933]

Yeah. Photos are essential. Like going to a sushi restaurant. Their menu is huge like a big children's book with pictures and words for almost every dish they serve. They need to design a bigger menu book, not just flyers. The photos help A LOT! I can't be googling everything on the written menu before I wanna order right. 😂😂😂

[@Melcor2304]

This is important, especially for older customers or first-timers, who want to see how visually attractive the food is to consider ordering them.

[@sko1beer]

@@knock-knockwhosthere9933 that’s true in japan them plastic fake sushi at the front door on display normally gets the attention to go in

[@johnta17]

Beautiful story about a son’s love for his father.

[@Lea-SHSUM]

I know this is irrelevant but the son’s skin is flawless

[@dannyryan6411]

A great story of resilience. Seeing what his son has grown up to be, Tony's dad has the biggest smile and you can see his heart on his sleeve. All that hardship he has endured was worth every second.

[@zissou4978]

To anyone feeling embarrassed by your parents, just don't. What looks silly or embarrassing to you is a source of pride/joy to them. Celebrate your parents' hard work, love them without second thoughts(just the way they love you) and try to give back to them whenever you can. Life's short and time is limited, love your family wholly, shortcomings and blessings combined. People who don't have the privilege of loving families, I pray you find that comfort and love somehwere else. Thank you for reading this far. :)

[@KA-eu9sy]

The embarrassed part I can relate to. I was a young teenager. There was a time when we could not afford to have a car. One time we rode the bus, I was so embarrassed, I rode far away from my parents on the bus. I still remember that. Now, I feel embarrassed for how I behave. Parents do the best they can. Love them no matter what. Rest does not matter.

[@zissou4978]

@@KA-eu9sy hey. I can relate to the same very much as well. We still don't have a car and I used to feel ashamed walking with my parents. Now I don't, because with age came some maturity. Plus the fact that there is no need to feel embarrassed about not owning a vehicle at all, everyone's situations and circumstances are different. Thanks for replying, hope you have a wonderful day. :)

[@MegaRanjee]

It's nice to see that he appreciates all the effort his dad is making. 加油!

[@zzzzzsleeping]

I think the old man was right about the menu. Lots of tourist associates with pictures. Instead of explaining the menu ingredients. The old man also right to change it little by little. He has seen and experienced it 7 days a week.

[@thecowegg]

Old man build the empire with brain and sweat. Not with any fancy tech.

[@sbinalla]

@@thecowegg FACTS, and youngsters didn't think of this, they're too focused on their own perspective

[@tamarahildegard1688]

Hats off to your family and bless you. Lived decades in Manhattan, I know Pasteur, great food, great service. Wishing you more success. Respect to your family.

[@NateSmitty1]

I didn’t expect to cry, this is so touching!

[@snap9342]

If you haven't tried Vietnamese Pho, you should really give it a try, one of the best dishes I've ever eaten

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

I think Pho is overrated. It is ok but not that great.

[@22mae]

Bon bu hue too

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

@@22mae You mean Bun Bo Hue right? You should try bun rieu too.

[@kaychua1262]

Pho bo kho is my favorite!

[@kalmage136]

@@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj pho is overrated to many Vietnamese cause it’s simply a common staple to us, but it’s truly a home dish of the country & it’s comforting for all occasions

[@pamelafrancis7362]

THIS YOUNG MAN IS ADMIRABLE ,, WILLING TO HELP THAT IS WHAT FAMILY VALUES,, ALL OF US WANTS A BETTER LIFE FOR OUR KIDS,, WE GAVE UP A LOT TO HELP THEM ,, STRUGGLE YES BUT NEVER GAVE UP ,, HAPPY HE MADE IT ,, BEST WISHES FOR YOU YOUNG MAN,, PAMELA FROM LONDON

[@KT_571]

What a lovely and inspirational story! It's wonderful to see a son FINALLY understand, realize, appreciate, admire, and is grateful for all the struggle, sacrifice, resilience, and love of a father for his family. The son is repaying the father by helping him with the restaurant and wanting to continue and preserve their legacy.

[@oops541]

I'm half Egyptian and Moroccan. I love eating "Pho" beef noodle soup. It's my favorite and one the best food in the world.❤😊

[@tanthaman]

Egyptian is same thing and morrocan

[@smuirhead3107]

You, young fella are an amazing story teller. Your parents are proud. He will look back fondly

[@ImpactofAsia]

I am in tears. Thank you so much for sharing.❤️ we should continue our family legacy. A piece of our history.

[@lehoangnhan1492]

Tony is fulfilling his dad's American Dream and this is the way he respect and proud of his father too

[@tommylee8138]

Beautiful story of how many people struggling to survive and provide for their children. Resilience is the key and been proud is strengh to continue !

[@jackieviray5338]

Your parents are so blessed to have a son like you😍❤️

[@athapa01]

Their story just tugged at my heart. It's wonderful to see the father son duo trying to do their best amongst all adversities and trying to mind a middle ground for the benefit of their restaurant. Hoping people who live in this area who watched the video will visit them!!!

[@louiejoon5993]

This is such a touching story and I am so happy for the son that even after achieving his dream he is there for his father and is now helping him to achieve it

[@Tonyscasa]

A real man , relying on the strength of your own will power . Props dad

[@ttrinhity]

I love watching this. What a touching story. The father-son relationship, the food, the history and struggle - all so beautiful

[@pauledmonds3249]

An exceptional short film about family, respect, loyalty, history and love. Tony is a wonderful young man.

[@moniquewrites9046]

What a pure person. Please make this into a movie.

[@frederickso9286]

You won't regret a single moment helping dad.

[@bobbysayasane3413]

He reminds me of my father and uncles. The hardships they had to go through moving to a foreign soil. FOB in a sense... May he RIP Love you dad!

[@Ellie46706]

The greatest gift and blessing you two have is one another! Thank you for sharing your story. Your father is such a positive influence hardworking, strong minded, no excuses, sacrificing, problem solver, caring, never giving up, believing in himself and his family, understanding, patient and kind. Qualities only real men would know to have. I hope all those who watch this video who are in some type of obstacle can be reassured through this video they can over come a lot more then what they may be worried about at there moment. After all your father did it. Blessings to you and your father!

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

What a sweet story… their father and son bond is so touching….

[@laurymakesaway6695]

This is really heartbreaking 💔 So glad you are there for your parent. People are suffering right now. No matter who you are my heart goes out to you 🙏🏿 Your dad worked hard so you could have a life here today 😢

[@annechou1385]

There is a beautiful and professional menu with pictures, your dad is right, for Asia food, it’s better to have a picture. It creates sales instantly. You can ask customers, they will always love to see pictures. That’s why Japanese restaurants used to made pops, simple! I am very proud of you that how much you love your dad! Learn from your dad, he knows what he is doing.

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

Not all Asians are like Crazy Rich Asians. The world needs to understand that most of us are hardworking, ordinary people.

[@condorX2]

When I eat Pho, I think of all the helpless cows being tied upside down to be slaughtered. So I never wanna eat it ever again.

[@ceeril]

Ofc, the world always knows us Asian are hardworking people, but "Crazy Rich Asian", who would ever use that as a comparison?

[@irritatedanglosaxon1705]

@condorX2 when cross cow meat, u better think of that toilet less people !!!

[@tcruise77]

@@condorX2 hahahah...

[@Brainhoneywalker]

Don’t worry, most people actually understand this. Even many American-European descendants of immigrants (so-called whites) know this. There are unfortunately many ignorant and mean-spirited people in every category. Always remember their hatefulness comes from insecurity of knowing they couldn’t make it a day without privilege.

[@chollypaderanga307]

Tony, you’re so lucky to have parents so working hard 😓 to give you a beautiful future .. I hope you’ll make them happy once you earn your own money ... show them your love ❤️ and gratitude 🙏 Don’t wait until it’s too late to let them feel you love them...

[@rickyamin1876]

Parents will always do their best to make sure their children having education and a better future

[@nguyenlinh5813]

A beautiful story. I’m from Vietnam as well, i wish you and your family all the best.

[@ericam2000]

The father knows best when it comes down to what the customers want. Pictures help when ordering food, especially if it's my first time at a restaurant too.

[@markclinton8681]

Hello Erica how are you

[@picorlim7269]

Thank you for sharing your story. My dad escaped Cambodia 1979. Worked like crazy to support his family. You and I have our similar legacy to carry on

[@zacharyhall1441]

This is wonderful story and I know your dad is proud of because you are succeeding and that is what he work so hard for your father and mother..and the fact.that you are there helping him during the hard times you will receive many blessings especially when you get married to your future wife and ya'll have kids someday so great job young man..shout out from Miami Florida (305)...much❤

[@ST0ICSAGE]

I honestly feel bad for these people. They work harder than everyone else still struggle to live. Hope his son can make a change for him

[@justiceforinnocentfamily7238]

Tony you are a definitely a every parents dream child. I wish you very best in everything you do in life. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@jackiemccoy6282]

Dad is right about photos!!! I’m Asian American but I don’t understand what anything is so seeing a picture helps a lot!!!

[@po4742]

I'm African who loves Asian food. Pictures do justice when I select a meal on the menu. His father is 💯 right!

[@aglis_]

My dad also came here from Vietnam at the age of 14 practically with nothing. I'm really proud of him for all the possible adversity, difficulties and struggle he must have faced opening his own restaurant in a bad neighborhood, then coming to manage other restaurants that were consistently doing much better than other places around. My only wish was that he had made better choices in regards to his own health from smoking since that's what ended up taking his life early this year.

[@TheKimchipower79]

What a great son! Dad must be so proud. The real legacy in my opinion isn't the restaurant, rather it's the Father who raised his family in the most difficult market for a small business owner (NYC) and have a brilliant with great values to carry the torch.

[@greatnose4food]

The son is so understanding that is what matters. I think finally people understand to appreciate the hard working restaurant people.

[@ThisNameWasTaken0]

Went to school with the son. I always thought he was a genius. Tony if you’re reading this I hope everything is going great for you man.

[@letsdoappreciate279]

When I first came in NewYork USA, my sis bought this noodle for me . It’s tasty . Happy to listen your father and son story👍

[@hillary6274]

I can relate to this so much! Pho is one of my favorite foods, would love to come try your dad's restaurant next time i am in NY.

[@smuirhead3107]

This is such a beautiful story. Thank you. Your souls are a brilliant light of love

[@SLYkutie]

I'm Hmong and resonate with this so much. My grandparents fought during the Secret War while my parents were young. After the war, they crossed the river and jungles to safety at refugee camps and eventually got sponsored through U.S. Christian organizations. My parents grew up with little to nothing, on welfare with no English, and in small homes with 6+ siblings. They successfully graduated school and worked so hard to get my siblings and me everything we needed and wanted, living in a very nice expensive neighborhood at that. Like Tony, I remember my dad working every day, two jobs. I would not see him until he got home from his second job at 2am. I always stayed up, cooking for him so we could eat and work on homework together. When I look back, I hate how he had to work so hard. He was always so tired but still had time for our school work. He wanted us to be the best at school. Today, my dad still works, and my mom recently got laid off. She now spends time looking after our grandpa (her dad), while trying to find work. I see the wrinkles and gray hair being more prominent every day on them, cherishing them more than ever.

[@somethingaboutbeaute]

Being a mother myself as well as going through a rough patch with my dad who's technically my "step dad" but he met & eventually married my mom & raised my brother & I as if we were his biological children. When they got married, our parents surprised us with working an adoption ceremony as part of the their wedding. *THAT'S A TRUE FATHER* & say what you will BUT THAT WAS THE DAY I MET MY REAL FATHER & stopped referring to him as my stepdad & just called him dad from there on!!!!!!!! ❤ *THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR BEAUTIFUL FAMILY STORY WITH EVERYONE!!!!!!!!* This especially touched me because my dad also owned not just 1 or 2 but 5 restaurants so I really connected with this particular story because of our fathers both owning their own restaurants. *Thanks so much once again for sharing your beautiful story. We wish you all the best!!!!!* ❤

[@cheerios4canaries]

I'm going to eat here next time I visit NYC. What a wholesome story.

[@markclinton8681]

You are looking so beautiful

[@cheerios4canaries]

@@markclinton8681 how do you know this if my face is covered lol 😂

[@markclinton8681]

@@cheerios4canaries Wow that is a nice question

[@markclinton8681]

@@cheerios4canaries nice to meet you, I am Captain Mark, from the United States, but currently deployed with my troops in Syria Damascus, for US Military Intervention, hope to read from you soon?

[@markclinton8681]

@@cheerios4canaries Hi Cheerios

[@reshamae]

Are we all going to ignore the fact that the son has perfect skin. There's the American dream, and the dream skin.

[@rongarcia2128]

Wut

[@ll0516]

I noticed tat too.LOL

[@hitzoneproductions7858]

Who else would love to watch a series on this family and their restaurant?

[@may814]

Please add photos! It’s so much more easier and appetizing to see what delicious food is available on the menu than just words. Even as a Chinese person, a Chinese menu with just words is a struggle for me.

[@baalah7]

Heartwarming 💓 Thankyou for sharing the Inspirational journey, First generation in any new city or country struggle a lot, and we the next gen are privileged lot 🙌🏼

[@skyhorizons1487]

Man, ngl this guy can be a youtuber his voice is so soft

[@hpvpinoy8797]

And his skin is flawless!

[@humberto958]

My wife beautiful is Vietnamese. Her parents have worked so hard to give their family a better life here in America. This just brought tears to my eyes..

[@livingtoinspire5678]

I’m SOLD BY HIS DAD IDEA! Many of us have no idea what a Foreign foods look like but when they look at the pic they kinda have an idea what the food look like! I’m from Ethiopia and I worked at Ethiopian restaurant. Almost all of the customers were American and they point at the pic and said “it looks delicious!” I definitely will go with your dad idea

[@zxh]

You’re very beautiful, and Ethiopian food is amazing

[@livingtoinspire5678]

@@zxh very sweet of you:) I appreciate that

[@whereisoanhnow951]

I personally think keeping photos on a menu is a great idea. A lot of time, we go to Vietnamese restaurant to eat, he always look at the photos to have a better idea how the food gonna look like. Although in the menu, it is clearly explained the food ingredients but I bet he still can’t picture the food yet. And even though, I am Vietnamese but certain food with photos on menu it is so helpful to show him and explain a bit more about flavor or the region where it is originally comes from.

[@Eeeelllleee]

I remember someone asked me why I send money to my family all the time. He said that it’s not my responsibility to take care of my parents. And I was thinking, why is this man so disrespectful? The differences in culture was there yet he forgot to notice it. As an Asian in a foreign country, that was eye-opening. I remember telling my Asian friends who are also my co-workers about that and they thought the same thing. We agree on the same thing, the only reason why we’re there was because of our family and parents. I couldn’t even finish school if not because of my aunts and uncle. I can’t go to a foreign country for work without the help of my aunt. So yes, I need to send money to them coz I want to repay all their struggles just so they could raise me.

[@noratruong7816]

What a great thoughtful son you are. Lovely.

[@tonychenh4142]

When I am in NY, will definitely support this Pho restaurant

[@phxlkhen6326]

A handsome guy and humble dad.

[@tednguyen8310]

your right....handsome for sure

[@hantran5564]

his dad were very handsome too

[@tednguyen8310]

are they chinese? chung sounds chinese

[@gonzalezrealtor]

Excellent true story. The father has a wonderful son.

[@JAZZYM201]

What an amazing story. What an amazing son and father. This really touches my heart because I’m the daughter of immigrants and know exactly how the son feels.

[@deanjones2323]

Word i feel my mom was a single mom she could never come to my games or school events but when she did she passes out in the stands but i know now as a man she put her life and body on the line just to see me

[@bsan89]

"Catch what you can" vs "Chase what you want" - that stuck with me as a Vietnamese-American

[@fkml1971]

The efforts that the parents put into the business so that they can give a better future to the next generation…it’s never easy in F&B as the hours are usually long.

[@rubinobolkeim4193]

Thank you Tony your story is touch me for your father came to United states of America to better life si keep that legacy that your kids can keep your legacy

[@liliannghi4630]

Your new menu looks awesome, my colleagues, my husband and I have lunch from here every week. The food is delicious and very close to my mom’s home cooking. Your dad is such a nice person.

[@garywinthorpe8694]

I personally would like to have photos on my menu… its easier to know what you want and understand what’s in your food. Moreover, i truly agree with his dad on the menu and design of the restaurant

[@alejo5862]

Inspiring story, glad youtube recommended this to me. Hope that youtube will recommend this kind of stuff more often

[@mikevella8338]

Gosh this is affecting. Thank you Tony for being such a thoughtful and caring son. Your family history reflects that of so many refugees in the US. And you are certainly an excellent product of that history.

[@1012pear]

A wonderful son! Wishing you all the best.

[@LupeAv81]

So sweet of his son to be so kind and loving 🥰 I pray for a continued success to their family legacy! 🙏🏼

[@markclinton8681]

Hey 🌹

[@Winter1Bird]

Beautiful story. Such a wonderful family

[@justicewillprevail1106]

Children look up to parents to learn ethics and morals. Here’s a great example of parents work hard and children learned great work ethics and morals and therefore leads to a successful life.

[@JohnBlessed5]

I will always admire people that start their own business and work hard not only for themselves but for their family and customers.

[@richardwhitehouse8762]

There was something intensely moving about this. Thank you.

[@antongavutti4376]

Napakaganda aral ito. Salamat sa inyo.

[@Hotspur62]

I used to eat there all the time when I was living in NYC. Great food and staff! Hope they're still around when I return to the Big Apple next year.

[@Wolfswind003]

The dad has experience and if they are not careful his son with little to no experience will change too much too soon and it will backfire. Having photos on a menu is a great idea. In Japan meals it is common for restaurants to display food made of plastic to get a very realistic impression of what the meal will look like.

[@IreZico]

What an amazing son. So heartwarming this story.

[@coolcool8693]

Well I'll certainly check this place out to buy some lunch sometime. This is very moving and touching story!

[@reviwhitney5914]

Amazing son, very beautiful family.

[@Reconseal4050]

This is what we love hearing with Asian families they will always stick together no matter the situation.

[@dowlernatasha1396]

Unlike the other demographic ;)

[@markn6941]

To Asians, family and honor are the center of their culture.

[@kevinjusdeel1223]

I am proud of you guys. spreading Pho to the world.

[@diananeenooth2237]

Beautiful message through the real story... ❤️The Family bond and legacy

[@jeffnelson1961]

thank you..."catch what you can or chase what you want"...which one will leave you with regrets???...just remember to release what you don't need...