ST. LOUIS - Mai Lee Restaurant in Brentwood is celebrating its 40th anniversary Friday, marking four decades of serving Vietnamese cuisine to the St. Louis area.

The family-owned business, credited with being one of the first to introduce Vietnamese dishes to the St. Louis region, began with the Tran family's escape from Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. Their journey to America was driven by the pursuit of the American Dream, which they have realized through hard work and dedication.

"Nothing is different, that’s why when they come, high school, college, they are married and have children," said Lee Tran, owner of Mai Lee, reflecting on the restaurant's enduring appeal.

"In the beginning, no money, no English, nothing," Lee Tran recounted, highlighting the humble beginnings of their jo

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