TRAVERSE CITY — The Good Bowl restaurant in Traverse City will see an ownership change, owner Soon Hagerty announced.
Hagerty shared in a Jan. 5 Facebook post that she has decided to transition out of ownership and sell the business to her partner, Tony Vu, who will become the sole owner.
Hagerty said she started the “mission-driven restaurant” nearly eight years ago as a way to thank the United States for welcoming her family as refugees and immigrants.
The Good Bowl came to represent more than “great food” and reflected a belief that business can be a force for “growth and good,” according to Hagerty.
Hagerty said she was ready to move into a next chapter that will allow her to focus more deeply on supporting female founders and women leaders through her private foundation and broader professional work.
“This has been the third business I’ve built — and by far the most challenging,” Hagerty said, adding that restaurants are “fragile” and can shift from “joyful to stressful in minutes.”
Hagerty said The Good Bowl’s commitment to “Cuisine, Community, and Culture” and to being a business rooted in “Growth + Good” would remain.
She said she planned to continue supporting the restaurant and community events.
In the post, Hagerty thanked guests, partners and the team and closed her message with “Mot Hai Ba Yo! (1, 2, 3 Cheers!).”
Vu told 9&10 News the restaurant’s mission and values will remain unchanged.
“A lot of our core values are going to remain intact,” he said, adding that the business will continue to give back through its established donation model.
Vu described The Good Bowl as a reflection of family traditions and immigrant experiences.
“We are a Vietnamese restaurant rooted in our memories of Vietnamese food — the food that we grew up with, that our mothers cooked for us,” he said.
He said any changes going forward will be gradual, shaped by his culinary background and life experiences.
“You’ll start to see some subtle changes, nothing drastic right off the bat,” Vu said.
Both Hagerty and Vu said they hope the restaurant continues to serve as a welcoming gathering place and a bridge between food and community in Traverse City.
Further details regarding upcoming events and community support are anticipated as Vu settles into his new role.
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