Two New Businesses Open
In Midtown Harrisburg

Owned and operated by Jaccriya (Jack) Ysa, a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry, the Vietnamese Garden Restaurant is Ysa’s first Harrisburg endeavor — a career move that follows a long-time position with the Marriott Hotel Corporation on the West Coast. Described as a “distinctive new culinary attraction,” by the Mayor, the 35-seat restaurant boasts an extensive menu that features a variety of Southeast Asian dishes, noodles, and soups.

The Restaurant, which occupies a building that had been vacant for some time, is the product of more than $35,000 in new private investment by Mr. Ysa and provides six new full-time jobs for the area. Stating that he chose the Midtown because when “people think of Midtown, they think food,” Ysa added that he could not have established his own restaurant without the support of his family, friends, and the Midtown Market District. “I’m so happy,” he added, “Thank you.”

“We extend our special appreciation and congratulations to Jack Ysa and his family for the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice they have made in bringing the long-held dream of Jack’s to fruition,” the Mayor said, adding, “We hope the Vietnamese Garden Restaurant is a huge success.”

Just around the corner from the Vietnamese Garden Restaurant, the Shining Light Thrift Shop opened the doors of its newly expanded retail quarters, relocating from their former downtown site at 205 Locust Street. The Thrift Shop, a non-profit clothing ministry that is an affiliate of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick, offers good used clothing and other items at a fraction of their normal cost.

According to the Mayor, in addition to its affordability and convenience for shoppers, the Shining Light Thrift Shop also provides a valuable community service for economically-disadvantaged citizens by providing them with free or discounted clothing and goods. “The Shining Light Thrift Shop is an effective and important component of the Greater Harrisburg area’s social safety net, providing the basic necessities of life to those in need,” he said, adding, “Its retail focus on excellent quality vintage goods also provides a unique and distinctive shopping experience for persons of all income levels at values unattainable anywhere else in the region.”

Since its inception in 1992, the Shining Light Thrift Shop has assisted over 10,000 persons in securing basic goods and clothing, has donated more than $40,000 to a wide array of area human service and faith-based agencies — and, by all accounts, is home to employees who are more than thrilled about the store’s move to the Midtown. “We are enthusiastic about being a part of the Midtown Market District and its easy accessibility for our clientele,” said Carmen Astles, Operations Manager for the shop. “Our increased space allows us to continue our important mission of helping the less fortunate as well as expand our assistance programs.”