Peking North on Division to Be Replaced by Pho Van

The former Peking North property at 4120 N. Division St. has been cleared for a larger Pho Van restaurant. Peking North’s owners wanted to retire and sold the business for $1.2 million to Pho Van owner Henry Cao. Cao, who is 54, plans to relocate the restaurant with his wife, Thuy Vo.

Pho Van currently operates about a mile south, at 2909 N. Division St. Its approximately 2,500-square-foot dining room holds 85 guests. The planned replacement will span about 6,500 square feet, with room for 240 to 250 people. Completion is anticipated in late 2027. Hug Construction is leading the new build, Russell Page Architects created the design, and Overman Construction performed the demolition.

The project team initially considered preserving around 65% of Peking North’s nearly 50-year-old structure. City and engineering complications changed that approach. The roughly 9,600-square-foot building could hold more than 400 occupants, bringing sprinkler and structural requirements. Re-engineering alone probably would have cost Cao at least $200,000. Estimated construction spending for the new restaurant is about $1.7 million.

Cao has operated Pho Van for roughly 25 years. He said its single remaining location often develops long lines, and the added seating should shorten customers’ waits. The new location will have a modern exterior, retain Peking North’s tall sign for Pho Van advertising, and add five to seven dishes to the menu.