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For many in the city’s dining and LGBTQ+ communities, Charlie Huynh’s recognition as Outstanding Business Owner at the We Are Puerto Vallarta Awards 2026 comes as little surprise. Huynh, owner of Let’s Pho Vietnamese Kitchen in the Zona Romántica, has built a business that stands out not just for its food, but for how it operates and how it connects with the community.
Born and raised in Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Huynh brings a personal foundation to his work that shapes both the menu and the experience. He regularly travels back to Vietnam to source ingredients, and his dishes are rooted in memories of childhood flavors. He began his career working in kitchens, developing his skills through hands-on experience rather than formal training — an approach that continues to define his cooking today.
Since opening in 2022, Let’s Pho has developed a loyal customer base, driven by a clear concept and reliable execution. In a neighborhood where restaurants often struggle to maintain momentum, the restaurant has remained steady, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine with consistent quality and service.
Following the success of Let’s Pho in Puerto Vallarta, he expanded with additional restaurants in Guadalajara and Ajijic, extending the brand into new markets while maintaining its identity.
Beyond the kitchen, Huynh has made community involvement a central part of his business model. Let’s Pho regularly participates in local fundraising efforts and charitable initiatives, including support for Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE) and other nonprofit organizations.
Rather than limiting those efforts to occasional events, Huynh has tied giving back to the restaurant’s milestones. Anniversary celebrations, for example, have included donations to local causes, reinforcing a pattern of ongoing engagement.
Huynh has also focused on building a stable team, emphasizing training and retention in an industry known for high turnover. Many staff members have remained with the restaurant long-term, contributing to a level of service that customers recognize and return for.
That internal culture translates directly into the guest experience, where attentive service and familiarity have become part of the brand.
Equally important is Huynh’s visibility within the Puerto Vallarta community. He is a regular presence at local events and collaborations, using his business as both a sponsor and a gathering place. That engagement has helped position Let’s Pho as more than a restaurant — it is part of the broader network of businesses that support the city’s LGBTQ+ and nonprofit communities.
In a destination where relationships often define success, that kind of involvement matters.
Huynh’s approach also adds to the diversity of Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene. By introducing Vietnamese cuisine to the Zona Romántica, he has broadened dining options while maintaining a clear and authentic identity.
Rather than chasing trends, the restaurant has focused on consistency — a defined menu, a recognizable brand and an experience that encourages repeat visits.
Huynh brings nearly two decades of experience in the restaurant industry and remains actively involved in daily operations, from food quality to service standards. That hands-on approach has helped maintain consistency even as the business grows.
This article was featured in our Summer 2026 issue. Read the digital copy here.
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