Our Story
Thuong Le and Van Dung Tran arrived in the US, escaping from Vietnam in 1985. Starting a new life Thuong worked for his older brother and sister-in-law at their restaurant establishment Le Kim in Stockton, CA. He then learned the essentials of what it means to cook Vietnamese food for a new community. The work inspired him to start his American dream.
In 1991, a Vietnamese community friend operating a modest 500 square feet Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown Camas, Washington, was looking to retire. The space was the perfect opportunity for Thuong and Van to start Le’s Restaurant.
Over the next two decades, Le’s Restaurant built the business, menu, and community. Along with their young boys Johnny Le and Jimmy Le, the family took trips around the United States, enjoyed the fruits of their labor, cherished memories, and built their future.
A second location opened in Portland, Oregon. Ambitious, the family ran two restaurants but lasted temporarily.
In the mid-2000s, the family decided to close both locations and relocate to the Fisher’s Landing Market Place in Vancouver, WA. A chance to take over a Vietnamese restaurant presented itself. Renamed Phở Lê, the entire family worked tirelessly to rebuild and represent Vietnamese cuisine through the years.
Since 2012, we have moved into Suite D-109, with much appreciation to the Oliva family. Many of our patrons still see us, some have passed, and others have brought their new families to greet us.
We are fortunate and proud to be your neighbor and look forward to building new relationships in the community.
Thank you for supporting us all these years.
— The Le Family