Celebrated chef Charles Phan’s new restaurant, Wo Hing General Store, got the final approval it needed to be transformed into reality. In September Wo Hing General Store will open its doors on Valencia Street in the former location of Phan’s extremely successful Slanted Door. The restaurant will offer those living in the Mission a taste of Southern Chinese inspired street food.
“I always had the need to have porridge and noodles in the Mission,” said Phan who attended Mission High, “But for years, I had to drive to Chinatown. Now we’re finally getting jook in the Mission.” Phan and Chef Michelle Mah will collaborate to generate the perfect menu slated to specialize in noodles, rice plates, congee, dumplings and bar food. Phan will also offer guests a wide variety of drinks highlighting the non-alcoholic versions of his cocktails. Those looking to toast with alcoholic beverages, however, will not be disappointed as Wo Hing General Store will not only stock wine but will be the first Phan restaurant to have beer on tap.
The new restaurant will be infused with many old influences, some of which will be displayed in the design. Olle Lundberg, the architect responsible for Phan’s Slanted Door, Heaven’s Dog, and both Out the Door freestanding locations will head this project. Lundberg plans to incorporate old pieces from around the city such as repuroposed bus shelters and bar and tabletops from an old bowling alley.
The spirit behind the new eatery is old as well. Phan’s father, Hing, and uncle, Wo, were the only two of their 14 siblings to make it to Vietnam from China. It was in Vietnam that the two opened a store.
“Since this restaurant is so dear to me, I decided to name this, this shop, after his memory. My staff added ‘General Store’ on top because they thought it would give a sense of the story,” said Phan.
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