Chef Charles Phan Dies; Future of Restaurants Uncertain

Renowned San Francisco chef and founder of The Slanted Door, Charles Phan, has passed away at the age of 62 due to cardiac arrest. Phan, who immigrated from Vietnam at age 13, was a pioneering force in elevating Vietnamese cuisine in America, starting with the opening of The Slanted Door in San Francisco in 1995. His innovative approach garnered widespread acclaim and led to expansions in Napa, San Ramon, and even internationally in France. Fellow chefs and the culinary community have expressed their deep sorrow, recognizing him as a visionary who paved the way for modern Vietnamese cuisine. Despite his sudden passing, Phan's restaurants are set to continue under the management team's leadership. Plans to reopen the original Slanted Door location remain uncertain as his family and business partners navigate this transition.