Woon Pasadena: A Story of Resilience and Hope After the Eaton Fire
In the bustling city of Pasadena, a vibrant new Chinese restaurant, Woon, opened its doors to eager patrons seeking bowls of chewy beef noodles and hot-and-sour tofu. The brainchild of owner Keegan Fong and his mother, Julie “Mama” Chen Fong, Woon was a labor of love, born out of years of dedication and hard work. The opening of their second location marked a significant milestone for the family-run business, offering a larger space to serve the local community and showcase their celebrated recipes.
The new Woon in Pasadena was a sight to behold, with vibrant green wallpaper adorning the walls and a menu that boasted an expanded selection of dishes and retail items. The larger space allowed for the business to flourish, providing opportunities for growth for their dedicated employees and a chance to spotlight small vendors and unique offerings. Fong, a Pasadena native himself, saw the new location as a way to give back to his community and provide a welcoming space for families to enjoy.
However, the excitement of the grand opening was short-lived when disaster struck. Just one week after Woon opened its doors, the Eaton fire ravaged the northern edges of Pasadena and Altadena, threatening to destroy everything the Fongs had worked so hard to build. The restaurant was forced to close due to possible water contamination, leaving Fong and his team in a state of uncertainty and fear.
As the flames drew closer to their beloved restaurant, Fong was faced with a harrowing decision. With his family at home and the future of Woon hanging in the balance, he raced to the scene to assess the damage and protect what he could. The devastation he witnessed was surreal, with homes and businesses engulfed in flames, and the community he had hoped to become a part of forever changed.
Despite the challenges and setbacks, Fong remained determined to rebuild and reopen Woon Pasadena. With the support of his team and the resilience of the community, the restaurant was able to resume operations in mid-January, albeit with a somber tone and uncertain future. The days following the reopening were quiet, with a stark contrast to the bustling crowds of the first week. Fong knew that they would have to rely on takeout to survive, but the road ahead was uncertain.
As Fong reflected on the journey and the challenges they had faced, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community. Many neighboring businesses had been razed in the fires, leaving a void in the culinary landscape of Pasadena and Altadena. Woon was one of the lucky ones, and Fong was determined to make the most of it.
With Lunar New Year approaching, Fong and his team prepared to celebrate with their customers, offering traditional dishes and red envelopes as a gesture of hope and prosperity. The road ahead may be uncertain, but Fong remains hopeful that Woon will endure and thrive in the face of adversity.
As the doors of Woon Pasadena remain open, Fong and his team are committed to serving the community and honoring the legacy of their family recipes. The journey may be challenging, but with resilience, determination, and a dash of good luck, Woon will rise from the ashes and continue to be a beacon of hope in the heart of Pasadena.
