Woon, the family-run Chinese food restaurant in Pasadena, is finding its rhythm again after closing its doors just 10 days after its launch due to the Eaton fire.
The eatery, operated by Keegan Fong and his mother, Julie “Mama” Chen Fong, hit the ground running on its opening day, Dec. 30. Long lines persisted throughout its first week, driven by community enthusiasm, much to the owners’ delight.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this long journey. Opening in the city I was born and raised is truly a full-circle moment. We can’t wait to host you all,” said a post on the restaurant’s Instagram page.
Yet just a few day later, the momentum hit a wall due to the devastating wildfires that struck Los Angeles, forcing Woon to close in Pasadena along with its sister location in Historic Filipinotown on Jan. 8.
“If anyone in Pasadena / Altadena is in need of aid or assistance, please reach out. We have plenty of food, water and shelter,” the restaurant announced on social media.
Woon in Historic Filipinotown reopened on Jan. 9 and offered food for first responders and those affected by the fires. The eatery also offered to take any bottled water or essentials donations and transport them to donation centers around the city. However, in the same post, they informed their customers that their newly opened Pasadena location would remain closed until further notice.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these fires, especially our new neighbors in Pasadena,” Woon posted on Instagram. “We are very fortunate to have made it so far, but I took a drive through 6 blocks north of the restaurant, and the damage is devastating and incomprehensible.”
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Many patrons responded to Woon’s post with heart emojis and messages wishing them their best. Woon also received support messages from other neighboring restaurants, including GoldBurger, who replied, “Opening a new restaurant is so hard, and to close like this so quickly is so hard. I’m really sorry.”
On Jan. 12, the restaurant posted an update stating that the Pasadena location was safe but remained closed due to water contamination.
“We are trying to figure out ways to keep our newly hired staff employed. Will keep you looped in on any updates,” the post continued.
As Los Angeles and its neighboring communities came together to rebuild and heal the city with resilience, Woon in Pasadena was ready to open its doors once more. On Jan. 17, the restaurant posted on social media that it would be opening the following day, 10 days after its initial closure due to the Eaton fire.
“This reopening comes with mixed feelings as these past 10 days have been heavy for our new community that we were so excited to be a part of,” said a post on Instagram. “We’ve done our best to help provide donations and meals for all those in need out of our Filipinotown location, but it’s time for us to provide a place of respite and comfort food for all of those in our Pasadena / Altadena community.”
The new 2,550-square-foot Pasadena restaurant, located at 1392 E. Washington Blvd., is larger than the original in Historic Filipinotown. The restaurant dining room is lined with striking wallpaper depicting scenes of China, wooden tables, ornate light fixtures and massive potted plants, including money trees to summon good fortune.
Patrons on Yelp say the line is often seen extending down the street but the food is worth the wait. Some of Woon’s staples are the beef noodle soup and chicken wings “perfectly fried and crispy,” and vegan customers are raving about the tofu in hot-and-sour sauce. The restaurant also serves a unique selection of sake, wine and beer imported from different parts of Asia.
“Unbelievable and worth the hype!” wrote a user on Yelp.
“Amazing service, cozy/homey seating, fantastic food, Woon has it down to an art,” another Yelp user wrote.
The restaurant’s Filipinotown location will serve a three-course Valentine’s Day special on Friday, Feb. 14 from 5-10 p.m. Guests can enjoy a chicken fried rice, sweet & sour eggplant and an ice cream sundae served with a heat shaped sesame cookie. The dinner will be first-come, first-serve and available while supplies last.
Find it: 1392 E. Washington Blvd., Pasadena and 2920 W. Temple St., Los Angeles.