A family-owned banh mi shop is flourishing during its first year in Ballston, months after its original location unexpectedly shuttered in D.C.
John Tran opened Simply Banh Mi in January at 801 N. Quincy Street as an expansion of his now-closed Georgetown restaurant. The business owner hoped to pass the D.C. store to new ownership earlier this year, but told ARLnow those plans fell through for reasons related to the health of a family member.
“It was bittersweet to leave. I’ll miss all the people that I met there,” Tran said. “But, everything was an upgrade coming to Arlington in terms of work day, sizing, equipment … like, the only downside was it cost me a s–t ton of money. Everything else was great.”
Now operating with over double the square footage of his D.C. basement carryout, Tran is making the best of the change. The larger space has given him the opportunity to add a dining room to the 12-year-old business for the first time since before the pandemic.
The restaurant can seat about 15 guests.
Tran is also using the space to try something new for Simply Banh Mi: a grocery mini mart. Near the cash register, shelf-stable goods like fish sauce and noodles sell alongside prepackaged Vietnamese and pan-Asian snacks.
The section also sells artwork created by kids at Vietnamese orphanages, and the proceeds benefit Hope for Children in Vietnam.
He credits the idea to his mother, Diana My Tran, a cookbook author and seamstress whose recipes are the business’s foundation. After shopping at Joann Fabrics following the store’s bankruptcy earlier this year, she purchased a pair of racks for the restaurant.
“I was like, ‘oh s–t, we’ll just make a mini mart,” he said, hoping to offer locals a convenient neighborhood location for the goods.
Tran said the new section is off to a great start. Some customers already have favorite items, like South Korean Honey Butter Chips.
“I tell you what, those butter chips are ridiculous,” he said. “People will come in and if those are empty, they’ll be a little salty.”
Nowadays, Tran and his mother operate the Ballston shop from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Occasionally, she introduces special menu items and limited-time banh mi recipes.
Tran jokes that he also employs “about half of the W-and-L student body.” (It’s closer to six student employees.)
The restaurateur acknowledged the spot has previously been tough for businesses. It was formerly home to banh mi chain Lee’s Sandwiches until it closed. Before that, a Subway closed there in 2019.
“This location has been the curse of the sandwich shop,” Tran said. “I don’t know how curses work. I don’t think I get a say. Crossing all my fingers.”
Nevertheless, he told ARLnow the reception in Ballston has been positive. The shop’s busiest times are from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on weekdays, when he enjoys building a rapport with his new customer base.
“Home base, [our] only home, is Arlington, now — ‘the ARL,'” Tran said. “I was very nervous about coming out to a new place and meeting new people and seeing what the vibe is like — but so far, super kind, [and] super, super supportive.”
