Five years ago, Tina Lai caught the attention of the Asian American community when she was pictured alongside her husband and Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie as the team celebrated their Superbowl win. So, who is Tina Lai?
Lai, 48, came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam in 1978. According to Heavy, she is the youngest of eight siblings.
The family spent several months at a refugee camp in Malaysia before flying to Philadelphia. Lai’s family eventually saved enough money to open a small grocery in West Philadelphia and a restaurant called Vietnam in Philly’s Chinatown.
Today Lai’s brother Benny owns multiple restaurants, including Vietnam Cafe and Fu Wah Deli. Tina used to manage Vietnam Cafe.
According to Philadelphia Magazine, Lai met Lurie while working behind the register at Fu Wah Deli. The two were married in 2013.It is unclear if Lai is still involved with her family’s restaurants.
