Troubled Santa Rosa restaurant gets a much-needed boost after viral TikTok video

A Santa Rosa couple’s restaurant has received much-needed support from a heartbreaking TikTok post.

Lee’s Noodle House hasn’t been this busy in years, it was completely empty just a few weeks ago, but not now.

A video of the owner waiting for customers to walk in the door was posted by his daughter, and the business has taken off ever since.

“I just saw at that moment how sad and stressed my dad was,” said Jennifer Le.

The 21-year-old college student was desperate to help.

“I’m really sad to see that he can’t get enough clients,” Jennifer said. “Sometimes my parents waited for at least one customer to come in.”

To her surprise, he took off. So far, the video has over a million views and customers have begun to arrive.

“My daughter did something I never expected,” said owner Wung Le. “I didn’t expect this. It’s incredible.”

Vuong said it was like a miracle. Now his wife is cooking up a storm in the kitchen again. His 17-year-old daughter and family friends are trying to cope with the sudden influx of people.

“Without all the people coming and supporting us. I don’t know how we were going to do it. I am very happy and grateful that people in this city came and helped my family. I’m grateful,” Vuong said.

Kate McDougall and her husband were among those moved by the video.

“It just touched my heart,” she said. “It really touched me, so we came and we are going to support it. I love noodles and Vietnamese food, so it was very, very sweet.”

Regular customers come back and new customers come in as well. Some are trying Vietnamese cuisine for the first time.

“I want to support local businesses and local people who are trying to succeed,” said shopper Camille Hoffman.

“It’s fresh, it’s homey, it’s cozy. It’s like being at your mom’s house and asking your mom to cook this for you,” said customer Stacey Lindsey.

The forest couldn’t be more grateful. Their 20-year-old family business has weathered the fires, but recovery from the pandemic has so far seemed insurmountable.

“My goal is just to work for my kids, support them and educate them in college,” Vyong said. “I’m happy.”

“I think this is a unique opportunity in life. I am especially very happy for my parents, because I feel that they deserve it. That’s all I ever wanted for them… For them to be happy, get rid of stress and be able to share their food, ”said Jennifer.