Monster Pho 2

"During a segment on the Tamron Hall Show that aired just before Christmas, the Currys surprised Tran with a big check — a thank you, they said, for the work Monster Pho has done feeding people in need during the pandemic, and a gift meant to help Tran keep his restaurants going during these perilous economic times." - Luke Tsai

"Tee Tran, the owner at Monster Pho in North Oakland and Emeryville, has been genuinely nice and welcoming at his restaurants but during the pandemic, Tran stepped up for the community in a major way. From the very beginning of lockdown, Tran has taken his staff and customer’s health and safety very seriously; he transitioned Monster Pho to takeout-only even before it was mandated. In the early days, he was driving meals, giving away free coffee and collecting PPE for Kaiser ER staff. Tran delivered produce to local seniors so they wouldn’t have to leave their homes, and put out fresh vegetables in front of his restaurants that were free for the taking by any passerby. And like so many other generous chefs and restaurant owners, he teamed up with World Central Kitchen to provide thousands of meals for people in need, all while trying to keep his business afloat. He still continues to be generous, giving and kind-hearted — on the day before Thanksgiving, Monster Pho gave away bowls of pho for five hours to anyone who needed a hot meal." - Eater Staff