PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — Chris Chang is co-owner of Soh Grill House and also a first lieutenant in the US Army Reserve.

During her time on duty, she received disturbing news.

“I was in Nevada for a training and on the way there in the morning they told me my patio had burned down. I asked what happened and they said a homeless person had started a big fire and everything had burned down,” Chang said.

Chang opened her Korean BBQ restaurant during the pandemic and was very successful, but the destruction of the popular outdoor patio was a major setback.

She finally received good news in the form of financial help.

“This situation highlights exactly why we needed this $1.5 million grant,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu.

As part of an initiative to support small businesses, Chu provided a $1.5 million grant to help revitalize outdoor dining areas in Pasadena. The grant will provide much-needed support to many local businesses, but for Chang, it represents an important second chance.

“Unfortunately, her small business and outdoor space were vandalized, forcing her to close,” said Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo.

Chang said her duty to her country was paramount.

“I have never refused any orders. My orders always come first, but it’s just sad when they both come at the same time,” Chang said.

But thanks to the new funding, there is hope on the horizon.

“I applied and told them what happened and they just understand that I’m a veteran and all, but I’ll be the first restaurant to have this fund. So it’s going to be really nice,” Chang said.

“It is so important to help our veterans. Our veterans have served our country, so we need to make sure that when they return home, they have all the resources they need to be successful,” Chu said.