Today we’d like to introduce you to Thái Tú Hòa, the founder of San Gabriel Valley’s first vegan restaurant, One Veg World. His team shared his story with us below:
One Veg World was founded by Mr. Thái Tú Hòa in July 2004. In following Supreme Master Ching Hai’s teachings of compassion for all beings, he adopted the vegan diet. Eventually, Mr. Thái formed a group of friends over the years who bonded over their mutual love for animals. They participated in various events by having meat-free food booths. At these festivals, so many attendees expressed their surprise how vegan food could be so tasty and that if they had easy access to these savory dishes, they could definitely go veg.
If you recall, twenty years ago, the vegan restaurant options were quite slim. So, wishing to do his part to foster world peace by starting with what’s on our plates, Mr. Thái opened One Veg World to offer the community a place with better food options. At the time, the restaurant was a pioneer in providing healthy, plant-based food and today, remains the only restaurant of its kind in the area.
In October 2016, Mr. Thái peacefully passed away at 72 years of age. Although no longer with us physically, he will forever be the muse in our hearts, as we hope to continue to humbly carry out his vision of service to fellow beings on this shared planet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any new business, there had been the usual struggles at the beginning: needing to establish a customer base, limited capital, managing costs, to name a few. But as a veg restaurant so many years ago, long before Lizzo, Joaquin Phoenix, Pamela Anderson, and Serena Williams brought veganism to the attention of mainstream media, it was a niche market back then. We felt like we had an even higher mountain to climb. But Mr. Thái persevered through those early years. His delicious food and sincere service won over the hearts of customers, and thanks to their loyalty, we’ve weathered through so many things, including the pandemic. We feel so blessed to still be around to have the opportunity to serve.
One Veg World has given us the means to help others beyond just the physical restaurant. In following the footsteps of Mr. Thái’s altruistic leadership, we regularly give back by donating a portion of our profits to support various groups, both locally and internationally, including: Farm Sanctuary, West Covina Fire Department, Cal Poly Pomona’s Students for a Sustainable Future, Burrito Project LA, CDP Recovery Program (Afghanistan Earthquake), Covina Civic Library, Las Jefas Veganas, No Hungry Child, Kids Cancer Fund, East San Gabriel Valley Coalition, Global Giving (Shipibo Healers in Peru), The Wall Las Memorias, Pathways of Hope, among numerous other charitable organizations.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about One Veg World?
When creating the menu, Mr. Thái wished to cater to all taste buds, thus an international menu was born, delighting all ages, omnivores and vegans alike. Plant-based alternatives of classic dishes include the One Veg World burger, the Vietnamese-inspired Royal Noodle Soup, Indian Curry Tofu, creamy Supernova Pasta, Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, Zesty Orange Chick-un, and of course, our dairy-free desserts like Classic Carrot Cake and Berry Marble Cheezecake.
One Veg World has gained recognition far and wide, including #1 votes with the MyFoxLA and the Los Angeles Times, which also ranked the One Veg World Burger a Top 10 winner in the Battle of the Burgers (among meat burgers!).
The restaurant has gone on to serve not only those in the city of West Covina but has catered for many Hollywood events. From actors Woody Harrelson and Pamela Anderson to Tony Kanal of No Doubt fame to NBA champion John Salley and Grammy Award-winning singer Melissa Manchester, these are just a few of the esteemed celebrities One Veg World has had the honor to serve.
With climate change as a major issue now, more than ever, people are turning to meat-free meals to reduce their carbon footprint and save the planet. We’ve been thrilled to see the plant-based diet becoming more popular and have had many more requests for our catering services for vegan weddings and parties.
Can you tell us more about what Mr. Thái was like growing up?
Mr. Thái Tú Hòa was born in Hội An, Vietnam in 1945. Although he grew up in wartime, he kept his childlike innocence alive through his artistry and sense of humor. He would draw Disney cartoons for his friends and the local village kids. Later on, he became a Boy Scouts troop leader and eventually formed a youth choir group, whose members eventually became successful singers in their own right.
He arrived in the US as a refugee in his thirties, with nothing to his name except his guitar and music sheets. As an artist, he worked at Cal Poly in its art department. Mr. Thái drew editorial cartoons, illustrated history books, and sketched storyboards. Eventually, he saved up enough to open his own small sign business. Throughout the years, he had composed music and conducted choirs, and designed exquisite sets for concerts and music videos. Of course, his personal touch is expressed through One Veg World’s design and decor. Mr. Thái also produced spectacular musicals for the stage. His endless creativity was perfectly matched by his joyful spirit and genuine love for life.
From refugee to successful entrepreneur, Mr. Thái epitomizes the American Dream. In telling his story, we wish to celebrate him and honor his legacy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.OneVegWorld.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onevegworld
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneVegWorld
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneVegWorld
Image Captions:
a. Bamboo teahouse design by Thái Tú Hòa
b. Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce
c. Indian Curry Tofu
d. Classic Carrot Cake
e. One Veg World catering at the Shrine Auditorium
f. Award-winning One Veg World Burger
g. One Veg World private catering with custom vegan menu
h. Oscar-winning vegan actor Woody Harrelson at One Veg World
