05/06/2022
Dear Basil,
It feels impossible to find the right words to recap this experience, but here it goes…
Growing up in a restaurant family, Mom and Dad were never home. I am so grateful to my parents for all of the sacrifices they made as refugees in a new country, in order to create a life and provide for us. One of those sacrifices was time spent with family. Weekends, holidays and summer break were insignificant for them, and this became the norm for me and my siblings. Fast forward 30 years later, I have found myself doing the exact same thing. My Dad has always told me something that roughly translates to, “you can follow my footsteps, but don’t fall into it,” but just like that, I have found it very difficult to make enough time for my own family. Personally, I know I have missed out on too many things with my kids and wife that I no longer want to miss out on anymore. I am blessed enough to have the option to choose differently, which is why it’s time for me to say goodbye to Basil.
To the most loyal friends and customers: Thank you for all the support throughout the years. From the grand opening, through the pandemic, until now, it would have been impossible to keep our doors open without you. One of my greatest joys at Basil was knowing how diverse our guests were, and that many of you came to know and love Vietnamese food through Basil. I truly will miss many of you very much.
To my forever team: It’s been one heck of a ride. From the front of the house to the back of the house, I couldn’t have done this without you guys. 3 years in a row, back-to-back-to-back, winning Best Pho in Snohomish County? I couldn’t be prouder of what you guys have done week in and week out. Thank you for having my back through it all. Just do me one favor, destroy that SOS button once and for all 😉. Even though I don’t have the keys to Basil anymore, remember my door is always open for you guys. Basil Bros 5 ever.
Pho-Ever Thankful,
Andrew 🌿
