Pho 65, Middletown’s first authentic Vietnamese restaurant, celebrated its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18, 2026, welcoming community leaders, local officials, residents, and guests to its new location at 65 Seward Ave.
The celebration featured a special performance by the Northern Taiko drumming group from the nearby Fei Tian College Northern Campus. Guests also enjoyed grand opening specials, including up to 35 percent off on opening day.
Community leaders welcome new addition
The event brought together several local leaders, including Middletown Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano, Middletown Common Council President Miguel Rodriguez, Orange County Legislator Janet Sutherland, Maria Bruni from the Office of Economic and Community Development, Third Ward representative Alderman Dr. Paul Johnson, Aldermen Joe Messi and Kevin Gomez, and representatives from Assemblymember Paula Kay’s office.
Mayor DeStefano congratulated restaurant owners Danny and Helen Hyde on their new venture and praised their commitment to the community.
“I’ve already been here for dinner, and it’s really fantastic,” DeStefano said. “We are so excited about not only what’s happening here today, but what’s going to happen tomorrow and in the future.”
For the best of our weekly content！
You are now signed up for our newsletter
Check your email to complete sign up
He also highlighted the restaurant’s connection with the ongoing development of the Northern Campus and expressed the city’s support for the new business.
Legislator Janet Sutherland shared her excitement about Pho 65’s opening, recalling her first taste of the restaurant’s food.
“When I was here a couple months ago, I had the opportunity to taste some of the soup, and it was absolutely to die for,” she said. “I truly look forward to the collaboration that is going to continue between the college and the county.”
Building connections through food
Alderman Dr. Paul Johnson, representing Middletown’s Third Ward, said the restaurant provides a new opportunity for the community to connect with the Northern Campus.
“We want the community to know we’re here, and a restaurant with great food is a great way to start the conversation,” Johnson said.
Restaurant founder and visionary Danny Hyde said Pho 65 was created not only to serve food but also to strengthen relationships between the college and the local community.
“We do food with our hope,” Hyde said. “We hope to support education and build relationships between Northern Academy and the local community. Together, we can bring back energy to Middletown.”
Sharing Vietnamese tradition with Middletown
Dr. Joseph Zhao, vice president of Fei Tian College Northern Campus, welcomed community members and shared plans for future campus developments, including nearly 300 cherry trees expected to bloom in spring.
“More good food is on the way,” Zhao said, inviting visitors to return and experience the campus and restaurant.
Inspired by the philosophy of “The Taste of Goodness,” Pho 65 was created to share authentic Vietnamese cuisine while providing a welcoming gathering place where cultures meet. The restaurant was initially developed to bring familiar flavors to international students at Fei Tian College while introducing Vietnamese culinary traditions to the wider Middletown community.
Original article
Comments