Downtown Brockville’s newest restaurant now serving pho after bumpy start

Pho Hut is officially serving bowls of pho in downtown Brockville. But the journey to opening day was more complicated than expected.

The Vietnamese restaurant held a festive grand opening last week, complete with a lion dance and firecrackers, but despite the fanfare, customers who tried to visit found the doors still closed.

In a message posted to a local Facebook group, the restaurant’s owner Linda Tran thanked the community for their support and apologized for the “unexpected delay” in opening. “It was an expensive and unpleasant disappointment for us,” the post reads. “We sincerely apologize for the inconveniences when we [were] forced to turn away our customers since the opening day.”

According to Brockville’s Chief Building Official (CBO), Sebastian Scott, the delay stemmed from outstanding requirements under the Ontario Building Code (OBC). In Ontario, new businesses must receive formal written permission for occupancy — a step that ensures fire safety systems, structural elements, exits, plumbing, and other essential infrastructure are in place before the public enters.

“While some may see it as red tape, this process exists to ensure minimum life safety standards are met,” Scott told Brockvilleist. “Until all conditions are satisfied and documented, we cannot legally permit occupancy.”

In the days following the grand opening, the city worked with Pho Hut’s owners as final inspections and engineering reviews were completed. With that process now behind them, the restaurant is officially open just in time for Brockville’s Tall Ships Festival, which began today (June 20).

The city emphasized that last week’s celebration took place outside the restaurant and was not considered occupancy under the Building Code. Pho Hut, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the community’s patience and encouragement throughout what they called an “ordeal.”

Now, with permits secured and pho on the stove, Pho Hut is welcoming customers.

“With your warm supports, we got through the ordeal,” Tran posted to Facebook on It’s now all good, and our existence [depends on your support], so please allow us to welcome you to dine at Pho Hut very soon.”