This article explores the life and enduring impact of Suying Plaskett, owner of the vibrant Vietnamese grocery store Vinh Phat in Sacramento, highlighting her journey from refugee to community leader and the store's central role in the evolution of Little Saigon.
This story, originally featured in SAVEUR’s Fall/Winter 2025 issue, offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of Suying Plaskett, the owner of Vinh Phat, a vibrant and sprawling grocery store located in South Sacramento. The story finds Plaskett, a sprightly 77-year-old, amid her daily routines, inspecting a selection of lilies destined for a local temple, commemorating the birthday of the Chinese goddess Guanyin.
Before she has to rush off to perform her own respects, Plaskett takes a moment to greet and chat with her customers as she walks through the store. Her store is more than just a place to buy groceries; it's an important landmark in the community. She stops to softly greet her customers, a testament to her deep connection with the community that she has built over many years. Vinh Phat is a testament to the thriving Asian community, and a haven for the flavors and traditions of Southeast Asia, from Vietnamese cuisine to an abundant variety of items. The shop is a hub of activity with a multitude of staff members working throughout the store. The meat counter, for example, is staffed with a half dozen employees. Even more niche items, such as the strongly-flavored mam tom, a fermented shrimp paste, have their own dedicated shelf space. The store is filled with products that one would expect to see in a store that caters to this demographic. The scene is one of constant activity and a place where one can connect with others from the community. \Plaskett’s journey to America is a story of resilience and compassion, intertwined with the historical backdrop of the Vietnam War. Having arrived in the United States in 1974, just as the conflict was drawing to a close, she married a U.S. Air Force officer, becoming one of only a small number of Vietnamese nationals residing in the country at the time. The fall of Saigon the following year triggered a mass exodus of refugees, including Plaskett's family. In 1978, she received a distressing letter informing her that her family, along with hundreds of other refugees, were stranded on a boat on the border of Thailand and Malaysia, and were critically low on supplies. Driven by a deep sense of familial duty, Plaskett hurried to Thailand, where she was confronted with the harsh realities of the refugee crisis. Witnessing her father's suffering from exposure and deprivation, she resolved to bring her family and other refugees to safety. Through sheer determination and a stroke of good fortune, Plaskett managed to evacuate her family and some of their fellow passengers to Sacramento. Upon their arrival, she took on the role of a de facto social worker, navigating the complexities of their new lives and protecting them from exploitation. From there, Plaskett took on the challenge of navigating legal issues and all of the challenges of settling into a new country. She did whatever it took to keep the family safe. \With the support of Plaskett and other members of the Vietnamese community, the area transformed, reflecting the determination and perseverance of the refugee population. The local landscape quickly began to evolve, with Vietnamese-owned businesses emerging. Banh mi shops, coffee houses, and money transfer services started popping up. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive Asian grocery store, Plaskett established Vinh Phat, a pivotal moment that would cement her legacy within the community. In the ensuing four decades, Vinh Phat has not only thrived as a business but also played a central role in transforming the neighborhood from an overlooked area to the beloved Little Saigon. The store has become a central part of the community and is a testament to the perseverance of the people. While the next generation is expected to take over the day-to-day operations of the store, Plaskett's presence and dedication remain. The story concludes with Plaskett's perspective on her life, revealing her enduring commitment to the community she has nurtured, and her happiness and fulfillment in continuing to be an active part of Vinh Phat’s success. She finds joy in her work, in seeing her customers, and in keeping a watchful eye on her business. It's clear that the store is more than a business to her. It is an extension of herself and her commitment to the community
Vietnamese Grocery Store Little Saigon Refugee Community
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