I don't know about the restaurant in particular, but soy sauce is generally not used in pho beef broth. The saltiness usually comes from fish sauce and salt. It would be noticeably and oddly darker if soy sauce was used.
I'm not sure about that but if you've ever been to any other ones the one in Santee tastes just as great if not better and is not subpar in any way
Thanks! Your answer is awaiting moderation.