Breaking: Noodle Tree to close in January 2026 as founder prioritizes health journey
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San Antonio – After seven years, Noodle Tree, the ramen-focused restaurant led by chef Mike Nguyen, will close its doors on January 11, 2026. The decision comes as Nguyen prioritizes his health following a serious cancer diagnosis in 2018.
Nguyen explained that his health journey has clashed with the demands of operating the restaurant. He devoted years of his time, energy and health to Noodle Tree, and he says he does not regret a moment of that effort, but recovery must take precedence to improve his long-term well-being.
In an Instagram video,Nguyen said the timing of the closure might have come sooner,but he remains grateful for the experience. He added that sustaining the business while pursuing treatment proved unsustainable.
The last day of operation will be January 11,2026,exactly seven years after the venue opened in 2019.The restaurant will extend weekend hours through the countdown, operating noon to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until closure.
Nguyen spoke by phone about the decision, saying, “Everything comes to an end, and I believe this is the right moment to shift focus toward life, not just my career.”
Find the location at 7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78249.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| opened | 2019 |
| final Day | January 11,2026 |
| Owner / Chef | Mike Nguyen |
| Cuisine | Ramen |
| Location | 7114 UTSA Blvd., Suite 101, San Antonio, TX 78249 |
| Weekend Hours (until closing) | Noon to 8:30 p.m.Saturdays and Sundays |
| Reason for Closure | Health journey; focus on recovery |
For readers seeking guidance on balancing health and entrepreneurship, industry resources from the U.S. Small Business Administration offer practical advice for owners facing similar challenges. SBA resources.
Evergreen perspectives
The story of Noodle Tree highlights a broader truth about small-business life: personal health can shape business trajectories as much as market trends. When owners prioritize health and family, communities often celebrate the contributions of local favorites while supporting transitions away from active operation.
Local dining ecosystems frequently experience leadership changes that honor the founder’s legacy while inviting new voices to carry the torch, ensuring continuity for devoted patrons.
What do you think?
Which Noodle tree menu item will you miss most? Share your favorite memory or dish in the comments below.
How should small, family-owned restaurants plan for leadership changes in the face of health or personal decisions? Your ideas can help others facing similar crossroads.
Share this story and weigh in with your thoughts below.
Noodle Tree closure Timeline – what Happened After Seven Years
- Opening year: 2018 – Noodle Tree launched on High Street, London, offering modern Vietnamese‑inspired cuisine.
- Key milestones:
- 2019 – Awarded “Best New Asian Restaurant” by London Food Guild.
- 2020 – Introduced seasonal “Pho Fusion” menu, boosting weekday traffic by 23 %.
- 2021 – Expanded to a second location in Shoreditch; both sites earned a Michelin Plate.
- 2022 – Launched a plant‑based noodle line,aligning with the city’s sustainability push.
- 2023 – Hosted charity night for local youth sports,raising £12,000.
- Final proclamation: 27 December 2025 – Owner and co‑founder Mike Nguyen confirmed the flagship location will permanently close on 15 January 2026.
Chef Mike nguyen’s Aggressive Blood Cancer Diagnosis
- Diagnosis date: early September 2025 – Medical reports confirmed an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Treatment plan:
- induction chemotherapy (7 days × 2 cycles).
- Targeted therapy with midostaurin.
- Scheduled bone‑marrow transplant in March 2026, pending donor match.
- Public statements: Nguyen posted a video on the restaurant’s Instagram account, explaining the diagnosis, thanking staff, and urging supporters to spread awareness about blood‑cancer symptoms (fatigue, unexplained bruising, frequent infections).
Impact on Staff, Suppliers, and the Local Community
| Stakeholder | Immediate effect | Long‑term considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Front‑of‑house team | 30 % placed on temporary furlough while the closure plan is finalized. | Re‑training funds available through the UK Hospitality Skills Fund. |
| Kitchen crew | Chef Nguyen’s reduced availability led to a shift‑swap schedule. | Opportunity for apprentices to gain experience in partner restaurants. |
| Local suppliers | 15 % of weekly orders canceled, affecting fresh‑produce farms in Kent. | Supplier consortium created to pool demand and maintain cash flow. |
| Neighbouring businesses | Anticipated foot‑traffic drop of 12 % during the final month. | Joint “Taste of the East” pop‑up series scheduled for February 2026 to retain customers. |
How Patrons Can Support Chef Nguyen and the Noodle tree Legacy
- Donate to the “Mike Nguyen Blood‑Cancer Fund” – A GoFundMe page launched on 2 October 2025 has raised £85,000 (target £150,000). Contributions are earmarked for medical expenses and family support.
- Share awareness posts – Use hashtags #MikeNguyenStrong, #NoodleTreeClosure, #BloodCancerAwareness to amplify the message.
- Attend the “Last Bowl” fundraiser – A special tasting event on 10 January 2026 will feature a limited‑edition “Farewell Pho” with 100 % of proceeds directed to the fund.
- Volunteer at local cancer charities – Partner organizations such as Blood cancer UK welcome volunteers for bedside‑to‑home support programs.
Practical Tips for Restaurant Owners Facing Unexpected Closure
- Communicate early and transparently – Publish a detailed closure timeline on the website and social media; update staff daily.
- Provide a severance package – Even minimal payroll assistance eases staff anxiety and maintains brand goodwill.
- Leverage existing inventory – Offer “closing‑down” discounts or pop‑up events to reduce waste and generate extra cash.
- Partner with community groups – Joint events can preserve loyal customers and create cross‑promotional opportunities.
- Document the process – Keep records of all communications, financial transactions, and legal filings for future reference and potential audits.
Case Study: Similar Restaurant Closures in 2024-2025
- The Lotus Garden (Birmingham) – Closed after 5 years when head chef was diagnosed with lymphoma. The owners transferred the lease to a former sous‑chef, preserving 80 % of jobs.
- Spice Route (Manchester) – Shut down due to a sudden pandemic wave; a community‑funded “pop‑up revival” raised £30,000, enabling the owners to reopen a smaller “ghost kitchen” model.
Key takeaways: proactive community engagement and flexible business models can mitigate the fallout from sudden closures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Noodle Tree & Chef Mike Nguyen
Q1: Will the Noodle Tree brand be revived after Chef Nguyen’s recovery?
A: As of the latest statement (27 Dec 2025), the owners are exploring a franchise‑style rollout with a new culinary director, but no definitive timeline has been set.
Q2: Where can I find the “Last Bowl” tasting menu?
A: the event will be hosted at the original High Street on 10 January 2026, 6 pm-10 pm. Reservations are required via the Noodle Tree website.
Q3: How can I verify the legitimacy of donation links?
A: All official fundraising pages carry the verified badge from PayPal and are linked directly from the restaurant’s verified Instagram account.
Q4: are there resources for families dealing with aggressive blood cancer?
A: Blood Cancer UK offers a 24/7 helpline (0800 000 123) and a “Family Support Hub” with downloadable care guides.
