Phowheels is now open at 15707 Old Columbia Pike in the Burtonsville Crossing shopping center (currently in a soft opening phase until Friday, April 18th). It’s the DMV and Maryland’s first drive-thru Vietnamese restaurant, though indoor seating is also available. Our very own Mr. MoCo stopped by to give you a first look at the restaurant (video below).
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Tuan Vo is the proud owner of Phowheels, a unique Vietnamese culinary venture. Raised in Montgomery County, he attended White Oak Middle School and Springbrook High School, and currently resides in Burtonsville.
Vo graduated from Springbrook High School in 2008, and his journey with Phowheels began four years later in 2012 when he first sampled the food from the food truck. The previous owner, now a friend and business partner, offered Vo the chance to buy the business. Seizing the opportunity, he took the plunge in 2017, diving into the kitchen alongside his family and taking over the food truck.
“We began taking Phowheels all over the DMV, particularly in Montgomery County, our hometown. We serve innovative Vietnamese dishes like our famous pork belly tacos, Vietnamese birria (also known as Bo khirria), pho, and banh mi on a croissant, along with a variety of exciting specials,” Vo shares.
Phowheels opened its first brick-and-mortar location in October 2023 in Arlington, VA, after being given the chance to expand by JBG Smith at the water park in National Landing. “We aimed to bring our business to Maryland, especially Montgomery County. When we learned that EDENS was developing a new shopping center in Burtonsville, I saw it as the perfect opportunity to become an integral part of the community where I live!” Vo explains.
With EDENS’ support, Phowheels will feature both dine-in and drive-thru options, marking it as the first drive-thru restaurant in the DMV area to offer Vietnamese cuisine. “We’re excited to serve the Burtonsville community and neighboring areas.”