Pho 280 makes short move to new US 280 spot

Pho 280 may have a new location, but they haven’t changed their signature taste.

The Vietnamese restaurant, specializing in the popular broth dish, has been in business for the past three years with owner Jason Tran as lead chef. It recently made the short move from its former location at 5426 U.S. 280 to 5479 U.S. 280 in Greystone Terrace.

Tran learned to make pho from his grandmother when they moved from North Vietnam to Alabama. Seeing that there weren’t any restaurants that served it in the U.S. 280 area, he supplied the demand.

Seeing Tran’s passion for the food he was making was enough for Jeff Campbell, now the restaurant’s main bartender, to form a business partnership with him. Campbell himself has been in the restaurant business for many years, specifically finding his passion in bartending.

“People always ask me, ‘You’re 34 years old and you still bartend, why don’t you find a quote unquote real job?’” Campbell said. “Well this is what I’m passionate about, this is what I love doing. Making drinks and making people happy.”

Both Campbell and Tran agree the best part of their jobs is the customers, with some regulars coming in weekly and even daily. 

Tran said their most popular dish is their original beef pho bowl, but Campbell notes that it’s sometimes an obstacle to get people to give their dishes a chance.

Other pho bowls have beef, chicken, seafood or vegan ingredients. Pho 280 also serves banh mi, fried rice dishes, egg or rice noodle soups and Vietnamese wings.

Campbell stands behind the restaurant and the food’s ability to bring people of different backgrounds together.

“I stand behind this because I believe in it,” he said. “I believe in the food, I believe in what [Jason] does.”

Campbell said if he can get friends of his into the restaurant, they’re bound to find something on the menu they will like. 

On Friday and Saturday nights, Tran and Campbell book musicians to play for their guests. The artists they typically gravitate toward are acoustic because the music preserves the ambiance and guests are still free to converse with each other comfortably.

Pho 280 is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then 4-11 p.m.