An iconic Cambodian Restaurant in Seattle is closing down at the end of the month after more than 30 years in the community.
Since 1987, Phnom Penh Noodle House has been a beloved fixture in the Chinatown International District.
It was the city's first Cambodian restaurant opened by Dawn Ung's father, Sam, a Cambodian refugee who escaped the Khmer Rouge regime.
“We grew up here,” said Dawn Ung. “This is like our second home. Our customers have become great friends.”
Ung has been running the restaurant with her sister since her father retired a few years back.
But now they’re getting ready to say goodbye.
“They were tough decisions and as a mom, I just feel like these are things I needed to do at this time,” explained Ung.
Ung's 18-year-old son, Devin, was hit by a car last September.
He was in his senior year at Franklin High School and is now living in a skilled nursing facility with a severe brain injury.
“I just need the time to take care of Devin,” Ung added. “I want to bring Devin home.”
Ung is a single mother of three.
“I don’t have any benefits here. As a small business owner, it's unaffordable. So, I took a job with a larger company that has great benefits,” explained Ung.
Since word spread of its impending closure, customers have packed the restaurant for one last meal and to support Ung.
“It's really sad for us. As a Cambodian community, really sad for us,” said Pakun Sin.
The restaurant has served up a familiar taste of home for diners like Sin, who has been a regular from day one.
“In the old days, this was the only Khmer restaurant,” added Sin. “All of us come to this place for lunch and bring our kids. We kind of grew up with the restaurant.”
Others, like Kai Yeung, brought his parents for the first time.
“We wish there was a way it could continue to serve the community here, but it's unfortunate it's closing,” said Yeung.
But Ung said it may not be farewell for good.
She explained why they’re not selling the business, as some have suggested.
“These are recipes that are priceless in hopes that one day we will reopen again,” said Ung.
Until then, the last day for Phnom Penh Noodle House is Monday, May 28.
The restaurant will serve lunch until 2 p.m.
A closing celebration will he held from 4-7 p.m. that day as well.
If you want to support Devin, a GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with his recovery costs.
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