Our Story

In 2001 Shoto opened it's doors, a long time dream of then owners Chi and Tien Huynh. After coming to the US from war-torn Vietnam, falling in love, and starting a family in Charlotte, they chose to create a legacy here on Main Street in Lexington, passing the business on to the next generation, their sons Jimmy and Daniel, in 2008. Together with their wives Rose and Stephanie, the Huynhs work together to provide a casual full-service experience with a family centered atmosphere at the heart of Uptown Lexington.

The Beginning of Tien & Chi's Story

In the late 1950s when Tien and Chi were born, Vietnam was still recovering from the French Colonization, it was still trying to find it's own identity. That search for self governance led to the spark of conflict. Tien was born in 1954 by the sea south of Saigon and Chi was born in 1960 in a small town outside of Hanoi. By the time they were teenagers small conflicts had escalated to a war.

After the Fall of Saigon in 1975 one hundred and twenty five thousand refugees fled Vietnam and sixty two thousand more would escape on boats to Thailand by 1978. Chi and Tien arrived in Thailand in 1978 by different paths and met in the refugee camps there. Chi spent four months waiting for safety in America while Tien waited eleven months to follow her across the Pacific Ocean.

Watch the Documentary below to learn more about

their amazing journey!

Supporting Local Art

In 2025, Arts Davidson County, the local Arts Council, approached our family to request the use of our family's story as the subject of their film project. Honored, we were very excited to share the history of not only our restaurant of 25 years, but also the harrowing journey the founders, Tien and Chi Huynh, experienced leaving their home country of Vietnam and starting a brand new life in the United States and eventually Lexington, NC.

To Support or Connect with Arts Davidson County

The End of a Chapter

SHOTO Update: Rebuilding Our Legacy & Where to Find Us Now

On May 19th, 2026, a devastating structural fire broke out in the heart of Uptown Lexington. The fire severely impacted four local businesses, completely claiming the building that SHOTO has called home for 25 years. Watching a quarter-century of memories, hard work, and history collapse in flames was devastating, but through the heartbreak, one thing has remained crystal clear: SHOTO is not gone.

The heart of SHOTO was never just the brick and mortar—it has always been the people, the community, and the memories we share with you.

The Road Ahead: We Are Rebuilding

We are fully committed to rebuilding and bringing SHOTO back to Uptown Lexington. The road ahead will take time, patience, and hard work as we navigate recovery and redesign our future space, but our commitment to this town is as strong as it has ever been.

While the future SHOTO will bring a new look and a new chapter, our dedication to exceptional food and community hospitality remains entirely unchanged.

Visit Our Temporary Food Truck Location

We refuse to stay away from serving our community. While permanent rebuilding plans are underway, we have launched a temporary food trailer/truck setup so we can continue doing what we love: cooking for you.

Current Location: The Brewer's Kettle Lexington | 6 E 1st Ave Lexington NC
Operating Hours: Tuesday - Saturday
Follow Daily Updates: facebook.com/shotojapanese

Our Deepest Gratitude

To the First Responders: To the Lexington Fire Department, emergency crews, and neighboring mutual-aid units—you ran toward the danger to protect our town. You are our heroes, and we are forever grateful.
To Our Community: The outpouring of emotional, community, and financial support has lifted us up when we needed it most. You are the reason we are already back on our feet.

Support Uptown Lexington Relief Efforts

Four businesses were deeply affected by the May 19th tragedy, and recovery is a shared journey across our downtown block. If you would like to support the ongoing rebuilding efforts:

https://www.visitlexingtonnc.com/upliftlexington

We love you, Lexington. Come see us at the truck, say hello, and join us as we write this next chapter together.

With love, strength, and gratitude,

The SHOTO Family