Thuy Mai is adjusting to a new normal since Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered bars and restaurants in Illinois to cease dine-in operations. With full shelter in place restrictions set through at least April 30, the manager of Noodles Pho U in Naperville has been relying on carryout and delivery business to make ends meet.
“With this situation we are (taking it) day by day,” Mai said. “(Losing dine-in customers) hurts me big time because I am in a strip mall where the rent is very high.”
Mai said she is grateful for her loyal customers who keep coming back during these challenging times.
“The most important thing is customer service and the quality of food,” Mai said. “We have a lot of good customers and we must be very appreciative (of them).”
We talked to Mai via phone about this Naperville restaurant.
When did you open in Naperville? “We opened Noodles Pho U in 2012 near the (former) Dominick’s (grocery store at the intersection of Route 59 and 95th Street).”
What’s on the menu? Mai said they offer a sampling of cuisine from a variety of Asian countries and the large menu is evidence of that. Customers looking for Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, Filipino and Japanese specialties will find it at Noodles Pho U.
Starters include things like summer rolls, pot stickers or crab Rangoon along with Thai wings, salads or soups. Rice and noodle dishes, Vietnamese sandwiches along with meat, seafood or vegetarian entrees are available and can be made to order.
Specialties: House specialties include things like the triple delight (shrimp, beef and chicken stir fried with onions and bell pepper that’s served with steamed rice) or pad Thai, Mongolian delight or a Vietnamese crispy crepe. They also offer gluten-free options.
Mission statement: “To me the world is so small,” Mai said. “People travel a lot and (experience) different cultures so I like to offer a little of everything from Southeast Asian countries,” Mai said.
What makes you different? “When we opened here we wanted to differentiate,” Mai said. “Many (restaurants offer items) from one country. At Noodles Pho U we have a variety.” Mai also said they make everything to order and are happy to make changes to meet a customer’s request. “We are willing to make anything and it’s not a problem,” Mai said. “You can always tell us what you want and we can customize for you.”
Price range: $6-$14
Logistics: Noodles Pho U is located at 3124 S. Route 59, Suite 146, in Naperville. They are open for carryout or delivery 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Call 630-778-7888 or go to www.noodlesphou.com.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
Would you like your Naperville restaurant to be featured in a dining profile? Contact wweber@tribpub.com with the name and location of your establishment and a person’s contact information. At this time, we are only taking places that offer a carryout and/or delivery option.
