“St. John’s… you’re up,” says an Instagram post published by ZEN Noodles Jacksonville this week. “We are extremely excited to announce we’re officially expanding to St. John’s, FL (in the beautiful location that once was Oola Mala Hot Pot & Sushi). Same flavors. Same heart. New neighborhood!”
The brand got its start in Gainesville when founder Hung Nguyen opened Taste Sushi Bar & Asian Cuisine in 2007. That brand expanded with Taste Pho & Noodle House in 2015. The brand began to transform with an eye to growth thereafter, rebranding Taste Pho & Noodle House as ZEN Noodle Bar, and opening ZEN Asian Street Eats. ZEN Pho & Noodles Jacksonville followed in 2024—and now it’s preparing to expand into St. Johns!
“ZEN is known for its extensive, customizable menu that caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options,” says coverage by the St. Johns Citizen. “Popular dishes include its signature pho, featuring a rich house-made broth and tender ribeye, as well as favorites like bang bang shrimp, crispy spring rolls, and takoyaki topped with savory sauces and bonito flakes. The menu also highlights noodle classics such as pad thai, drunken noodles, and Filipino pancit, alongside hearty rice bowls like the Korean bulgogi bowl and bang bang bowl.”
Opening in the former Oola Mala space at 1385 St. Johns Pkwy, Suite 100 & 101, ZEN Pho and Noodles will join a food and drink community that includes Tsaocaa St. Johns and Planet Smoothie.
CEO & Founder Hung Nguyen could not be reached immediately for comment on the opening on Thursday.
You can keep up with ZEN Pho & Noodles news by following @zennoodlesjacksonville on Instagram.
