“Charles was a pioneer, a dreamer who refused to settle for the status quo,” the family statement said. “Let us honor Charles’ extraordinary life and legacy by keeping his spirit alive in the way we enjoy and share meals with one another, always family style.”
An outpouring of condolences and tributes from across the city and its restaurant community included a message from Mayor Daniel Lurie, who described Phan as a culinary visionary. “San Francisco will never forget what Charles Phan built – his influence will always be a part of our city,” Lurie posted on X.
Phan, a pillar of the local restaurant community for decades, opened the pioneering Vietnamese restaurant The Slanted Door in 1995. Originally located on Valencia Street near 16th Street in Mission, it became a national sensation to elevate Vietnamese cuisine, which was not very well known. to the American foodie public and for using high-quality, local ingredients.
