BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Co Tu Oriental Cuisine finally served customers for the first time since a man was shot and killed there in November.
“This is great, it’s my go-to spot,” said Kong Kong on the reopening. He’s a loyal customer who always enjoys pho there.
Customers such as Kong filled up the restaurant. The owners took time to heal and refurbish the Vietnamese eatery.
“I’m excited, I can’t wait to see customers back,” said Thao Trinh, through her sister and translator Mai Trinh.
Thao’s son, Quang Au, was injured in the attack.
He said attempted to push out Aaron Le, who police say was the shooter in the attack.
On Tuesday, Quang Au was happy to be back. He was shot in the leg and said while recovery took longer than he expected, he’s able to do the work.
“I didn’t want him to get injured,” Au recalled. “I thought that it was the right thing to help.”
Police said Tu Phan was the customer who was shot and killed in the attack.
Keeping with Buddhist tradition, the Co Tu family set up an altar and replenished it with fresh food for 49 days to honor him.
“He was like a brother to us,” said Mai Trinh.