During Immigrant Business Week (March 25 – 29), Mayor Kenney will honor several individuals who have served as community connectors for immigrant businesses in Oxford Circle. Chuong Le, owner of Pho Saigon, is one of the business owners being recognized.

The brick exterior of Pho Saigon. The windows feature a neon sign.

15 years ago, Chuong Le came to Philadelphia, the city he calls “a land of opportunities,” from Vietnam. His family has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so it is “probably fate” that Chuong has opened multiple Vietnamese restaurants.

“We started out as a family thing and throughout the years, we got a little bigger,” Chuong expresses.

Pho Saigon, Chuong’s chain of restaurants in Philadelphia, serves Vietnamese food with a French influence. In addition to the Oxford Circle location in Northeast Philadelphia, Chuong also owns Pho Saigon locations in South Philadelphia, Chestnut Hill, and more.

The menu includes a range of options, like traditional pho, banh mi served on French baguettes, grilled pork chops, and Vietnamese iced coffee.

Food at Pho Saigon

“We are very passionate about food. I believe that I’m pretty good at making whatever I’m making because I’m very passionate,” Chuong says. “I want people to know that there are more things than their comfort zones.”

Chuong believes that with “true food you can experience the culture.” A visit to Pho Saigon is an opportunity to experience Vietnamese culture.

He believes in building community around his restaurants, and cares for his loyal customers, some who even visit him from other sections of the city. “If we work together, we get better together,” he says.

Attend the Immigrant Business kickoff event in Oxford Circle.
Through workshops and other events during Immigrant Business Week (March 25 - 29), we’re supporting the efforts of Philadelphia’s entrepreneurs.