Pho Thien Vietnamese Kitchen, the family-run Naperville staple known for its steaming bowls of pho and stacked banh mi, is getting ready to double down with a second location at 2365 N. Farnsworth Avenue in Aurora, just west of the Chicago Premium Outlets. Owner Thien Nguyen told local reporters the Aurora storefront is under construction with an estimated opening date of April 10, marking the first time Pho Thien steps outside its roughly 10-year-old Naperville base.
As reported by What Now Chicago, staff announced the new restaurant on Feb. 26 and floated April 10 as the target opening day. The outlet noted that work at the Aurora site is already underway and that it was awaiting further comment from Nguyen while the build-out continues.
Where It Will Sit
The new spot will slide into the plaza at 2365 N. Farnsworth Ave., a busy shopping strip that already includes Lou Malnati’s and Noodles & Company among its tenants. The cluster sits a short walk behind Premium Outlet Boulevard, putting Pho Thien within easy striking distance of the Chicago Premium Outlets complex and its steady stream of bargain hunters.
Menu And Roots
Pho Thien’s Naperville menu leans into comforting Vietnamese staples, including its namesake pho and the Banh Mi Thit Nuong, a marinated grilled pork sandwich, alongside appetizers and grilled dishes listed on the restaurant’s site. The business marked a 10-year milestone this winter, a reminder of how the family-run operation has dug in locally and why a second location now makes sense for the owners.
Timing And Next Steps
Nguyen told What Now Chicago the team is aiming for an April 10 debut, but has not set a formal ribbon-cutting date. According to the outlet, staff went public with the Aurora plans on Feb. 26, and construction crews were already visible at the site while details such as opening festivities are still being worked out.
Why It Matters
For Chicago Premium Outlets shoppers and commuters cruising the Farnsworth corridor, the Aurora location could make Pho Thien’s bowls and sandwiches a much easier grab than a drive to Naperville. With the outlets drawing visitors from across the region, the new storefront may help the family-run restaurant reach a wider suburban crowd looking for something more comforting than a quick food court run.
