Tuan Vo, the proud owner of Phowheels, is bringing a unique Vietnamese culinary experience to the DMV. Raised in Montgomery County, he attended White Oak Middle School and Springbrook High School, and now resides in Burtonsville. Construction has officially begun on the DMV’s first drive-thru Vietnamese restaurant at Burtonsville Crossing, which will also feature dine-in options.
Phowheels has received a $300K permit for the restaurant’s construction at 15707 Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville Crossing. The restaurant recently shared a video showcasing the demolition of their future space and aims to open by February.
Vo, a Springbrook High School graduate from the class of 2008, first encountered Phowheels in 2012 when he sampled food from the food truck. After meeting the previous owner, who is now his friend and business partner, Vo seized the opportunity to buy the business in 2017. He then dove into the kitchen alongside his family and took over the food truck operations.
“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.”
