Twelve thousand dollars had been sitting inside an old cabinet behind a South Carolina restaurant, and nobody knew it was there. When the new owner finally opened a forgotten sunglasses case, he found a thick stack of cash that belonged to the man who had operated the business before him.
The discovery came after months of disruption caused by a fire at a neighboring store. But instead of treating the money as an unexpected windfall, the owner began searching for the person who had left it behind.
I love how the story becomes even more meaningful when you learn that the former owner was facing serious health problems and needed the money.
The restaurant now serves Vietnamese pho, Thai curries, and other Southeast Asian favorites, but this act of honesty gives customers another reason to remember the people behind the business.
The Cabinet That Held A Very Big Surprise
Cleaning out an old cabinet led to an extraordinary surprise at Lemongrass Vietnamese Pho & Thai Cuisine. Owner Sak Yiengjuntuek found $12,000 in cash tucked inside a sunglasses case that had been left in a cabinet behind the restaurant.
Yiengjuntuek had purchased the business in 2025, but a fire at a neighboring furniture store later disrupted electricity and forced his restaurant to close for several months. After power was restored, he began clearing out furniture left by the previous owner and made the unexpected discovery.
That moment could have gone a lot of ways. Nobody was watching, and the cash was technically sitting in a cabinet the new owner now controlled.
Plenty of folks would call that a lucky break. Some might even call it a sign from the universe to buy a boat.
Instead, the new owner saw it for what it was. That money belonged to someone else, and someone else probably needed it.
I like how simple the logic was here. It wasn’t a complicated legal puzzle or a hard moral debate, just a clear sense of right and wrong.
Local news picked up the story, and it spread quickly. People connected with it because it felt refreshingly old-fashioned.
Stories like this one stick with diners long after the meal. They give a restaurant a reputation that no advertisement could ever buy.
So yes, this is a place known for noodles and curry. It’s also known for one very honest cabinet cleanout.
Tracking Down The Former Owner Took Real Heart
Finding the money was only half the story. Getting it back to the right person was the part that made South Carolina smile.
The previous owner had stepped away from the business while facing health issues. That detail makes the whole thing hit a little harder.
A health struggle can drain a bank account fast. Twelve thousand dollars could cover bills, appointments, or simply some peace of mind.
Yiengjuntuek initially struggled to reach the former owner because the phone number he had was disconnected. He eventually remembered another contact number, managed to reach the man, and arranged to return the entire $12,000.
The former owner, who had been dealing with serious health problems, told him the money had come back at exactly the right time. For Yiengjuntuek, returning it was simply a matter of honesty and doing what he believed was right.
That’s what makes this kind of honesty special. It happens when nobody would ever know the difference.
I can’t imagine the relief on the other end of that conversation. Getting an unexpected bundle of your own money back during a rough season must feel like a gift.
The story also says something about how this team treats people. If they’ll chase down a former owner to return cash, they’ll probably double-check your spice level too.
Some diners now choose the restaurant partly because of this moment. Supporting a business with strong values feels good, especially when the soup is this comforting.
Two Kitchens Share One Menu Here
Thai or Vietnamese? You don’t actually have to pick a side at this Myrtle Beach spot.
That mix makes group dinners much easier. One person can chase a big bowl of pho while another digs into pad Thai.
The Thai side covers classics such as green curry, yellow curry, drunken noodles, and papaya salad. Larb chicken salad and spicy ginger crispy chicken also show up for anyone wanting something punchier.
Over on the Vietnamese side, you’ll find pho, Bun Bo Hue, and banh mi sandwiches. Noodle salads round things out for lighter appetites.
Here’s a smart move for first-timers. Order one dish from each country and share, so the table gets a little tour.
Gluten-free options are available as well. That’s a welcome relief for anyone who usually spends dinner quizzing the server.
The staff also works with special requests and food allergies. It helps to be clear about your needs up front so the kitchen can prepare things properly.
A long menu can feel overwhelming at first. Treat it like a fun challenge, and plan a return visit for everything you skipped.
You Will Want A Spoon Ready For These Soups
Pho gets top billing on the sign, and that tells you plenty. Soup is a serious business at Lemongrass Vietnamese Pho & Thai Cuisine.
The classic beef pho comes in versions like rare beef, which cooks gently in the hot broth. It’s the kind of bowl that fixes a chilly beach evening fast.
Bun Bo Hue deserves your attention too. This spicy beef noodle soup comes from central Vietnam and carries a bold lemongrass kick.
Fun fact for your next trivia night. Hue was once the royal capital of Vietnam, and this soup carries the city’s name.
On the Thai side, the lemongrass soup is Tom Yum. It’s known for that bright sour and spicy balance that wakes up your whole mouth.
Rainy day in Myrtle Beach? A warm bowl here beats sitting in the hotel room watching the clouds.
A quick tip for pho beginners helps a lot. Taste the broth first before adding sauces, so you know what you’re working with.
Then add herbs, lime, or heat a little at a time. You’re basically the head chef of your own bowl.
Soup lovers could easily make this a weekly habit. With so many options, boredom isn’t really an issue.
Save Room For Rolls At The Start And Sticky Rice At The End
Fresh summer rolls make a light, crisp opening act. You can even get them with avocado tucked inside the rice paper.
These rolls are cool and refreshing, which feels perfect after a hot afternoon on the sand. They won’t weigh you down before the main course arrives.
Craving something crunchy instead? Crab rangoon and fried spring rolls cover that need nicely.
Papaya salad is another strong starter for anyone who likes a little heat. It’s bright, tangy, and loaded with shredded green papaya.
Then comes dessert, and this part matters. Mango sticky rice sits on the menu, a beloved Thai classic.
Sweet sticky rice gets topped with a creamy sauce and paired with ripe mango. It lands somewhere between sweet and slightly savory in the best way.
Thai tea also earns a spot on your order. The sweet, creamy drink pairs well with spicy dishes and cools things down.
A smart plan for groups is simple. Share two starters, then split one dessert so everyone gets a taste.
Skipping dessert might sound sensible on paper. But honestly, the sticky rice makes a pretty convincing argument against that idea.
Plan Your Visit Around The Midday Break
Timing is everything with this restaurant. Lemongrass Vietnamese Pho & Thai Cuisine runs two separate services most days.
Lunch runs from 11 AM to 3 PM. Dinner picks back up from 4 PM to 9 PM.
That one-hour gap in the afternoon catches people off guard. Showing up at 3:30 with a rumbling stomach is not a fun surprise.
Mondays are the other thing to remember. The restaurant is closed that day, so plan your noodle cravings for Tuesday through Sunday.
Lunch has a nice bonus too. A dedicated lunch menu offers a smaller lineup of dishes at a friendly price point.
That’s a great way to sample the kitchen without committing to a big dinner. It also works well for a quick break between beach time and shopping.
Weekends keep the same schedule as weekdays. Saturday and Sunday both offer lunch and dinner with the same afternoon pause.
Vacation days tend to blur together in Myrtle Beach. Set a reminder on your phone so you don’t miss the window.
Planning ahead pays off here. A little scheduling means more time slurping pho and less time staring at a locked door.
Marble Tables And Gold Silverware Set The Mood
Gold silverware is not what most folks expect at a strip mall noodle shop. Yet here it is, resting on marble tables.
The dining room leans elegant and modern. Warm colors and careful touches make it feel far fancier than the parking lot outside suggests.
The dining room combines modern decor with a welcoming atmosphere, creating a setting suited to both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.
Visitors can enjoy a sit-down meal away from the busiest beachfront areas, with Thai and Vietnamese dishes served in a contemporary space.
Cleanliness also stands out in a big way. The team has said they work at keeping the place spotless every single day.
That attention to detail matters more than people realize. Clean tables and shiny glasses quietly tell you the kitchen cares too.
Seating is comfortable and roomy. The space could also suit larger groups looking for a nice spot to celebrate.
Date night works here as well. Fancy enough to impress, yet casual enough that nobody needs a suit jacket.
I believe a good room can make good food taste even better. This one certainly gives your curry a classy stage to shine on.
Finding This Honest Little Spot Is Easier Than You Think
Mr. Joe White Avenue is where you’ll want to point your GPS. The full address is 1943 Mr. Joe White Ave, Unit A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
The restaurant sits in a shopping plaza, so parking is simple. You can easily pair lunch with a shopping trip next door.
That convenience is a big win in a busy beach town. Nobody wants to circle the block forever when hunger hits.
Myrtle Beach draws visitors from all over to the South Carolina coast. Having a spot like this close to the action makes vacation meals much easier.
Locals benefit too, of course. It’s a dependable choice for weeknight takeout or a casual lunch break.
So what makes the trip worth it? Fresh Thai and Vietnamese cooking, a polished dining room, and a team that clearly values doing the right thing.
That $12,000 story still lingers in the background. It turns an ordinary meal into a small way of backing good people.
Next time you’re craving pho in South Carolina, this is an easy pick. Bring friends, try something new, and save room for sticky rice.
Just remember the Monday closure and the afternoon break. Honest owners deserve hungry customers who show up on time.
