A new culinary experience will be gracing Owensboro with the upcoming opening of I Love Pho and Sandwiches, an authentic Vietnamese restaurant created by a local Vietnamese family eager to share their culture through food. Helping support that vision is Brandon Hurley, who brings years of hospitality experience, cultural insight, and community connection to the project.
For nearly 20 years, Brandon’s Vietnamese family has called the United States home. Despite that long history, authentic Vietnamese cuisine has been largely absent from the Owensboro area, leaving traditional dishes to be cooked only at home. The opening of I Love Pho and Sandwiches is about to change that.
“There really aren’t any authentic Vietnamese restaurants close to Owensboro,” Brandon explains. “My family wanted to fill that gap and introduce our cultural dishes to the community here and in the surrounding areas.”
A Background Rooted in Hospitality and Culture
Brandon’s experience in the restaurant industry began at age 15, working in restaurants and bars before eventually moving to Vietnam at 26. After relocating in 2014, he launched a YouTube channel focused on exploring Vietnamese food and culture, documenting his experiences and building a following around authentic, everyday Vietnamese life.
Today, Brandon continues to run his YouTube channel while also traveling to emcee weddings and festivals in Vietnamese. In Owensboro, he operates a real estate media business and works as a translator in his family’s nail business. While he is not an owner or investor in I Love Pho and Sandwiches, Brandon is helping support the restaurant alongside his other businesses.
“My role is more about helping my family and helping customers feel comfortable,” he says. “Especially because many people here haven’t had Vietnamese food before. I plan to be a sort of cultural ambassador for the customers in the restaurant.”
Creating an Authentic Vietnamese Experience
The goal for I Love Pho and Sandwiches goes beyond serving great food. The ambiance and décor transport guests straight to Vietnam, drawing inspiration from the vibrant sights, rich aromas, and unmistakable energy of Saigon.
“From the food to the overall look of the space, you’ll get a real sense of what a Vietnamese restaurant feels like,” Brandon says.
First-Time Guests Are Welcome
For those who may feel hesitant about trying Vietnamese cuisine for the first time, Brandon offers reassurance.
“I know it can feel intimidating trying something new,” he says. “But some of the best food I’ve ever had came from stepping outside my comfort zone.”
To make the experience approachable, the opening menu will focus on well-known Vietnamese staples such as Phở, Bún Thịt Nướng, Cơm Tấm, and Bánh Mì, dishes known for their balance, freshness, and broad appeal. Spice levels can also be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
A Personal Favorite
While Brandon won’t be in the kitchen, he does have a clear favorite on the menu. “Bún Thịt Nướng,” he says. “It’s a grilled pork noodle dish I ate on a weekly basis while living in Vietnam. Anyone who’s seen my YouTube channel knows how much I love it.”
Opening Soon
I Love Pho and Sandwiches is planning to open in early February, with hours to be announced. A Facebook page will be live before opening day and will serve as the main hub for updates, hours, and additional information.
For Owensboro, I Love Pho and Sandwiches represents more than a new restaurant. It is a cultural introduction, a family story, and an invitation to experience Vietnamese cuisine in an authentic and welcoming way.
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