GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — When Pennapa "Mimi" Wichian, and her husband Eakkasak "Eak" Kaosa-ard, first spoke with 13 ON YOUR SIDE in July, Thai Table was still a work in progress. Now, the restaurant is ready to open its doors for its grand opening on Thursday.
Located at 950 Wealthy Street SE, where once stood a wall of boxes holding furniture, is now a wall adorned with flowers. Thai statues welcome people to teal and white chairs ready to sit hungry customers.
"We think that we're gonna be happy more than this because it's been waiting for a long time," said Eak.
The couple's journey began more than a year ago as they underwent the process to receive their E-2 Visas, before then moving to Grand Rapids from the Thai capital.
"It's like a marathon," said Eak describing the work it has taken to start their business while learning English, and getting accustomed to a new country. "It's hard that because the normal life, we need to learn everything in every day [life], and when you go to the business, it is the another level of the learning."
Eak and Mimi said one of the greatest challenges for them has been to perfect their recipes, many of which are from Mimi's family. They said they also have been working to make sure guests can experience true Thai flavors with their visit.
"We sell not only food, but it's not just food, it's memory, then we bring the hospitality service from Thailand to here too," said Eak.
This past weekend, the couple finished their soft opening, feeding around 100 guests who were able to sign-up in advance. Mimi and Eak said they had to close reservations right after making the announcement due to how fast it filled up.
On Sunday, the restaurant was just open for friends and those who had helped Thai Table get to this point.
"If I don't have them, I cannot be a success like this," said Mimi.
"Many people try to encourage us, support us. 'Don't stop!' 'We're waiting for you!' 'We're waiting for the real, the authentic Thai food in here.' Then I think the energy and support from the people, the community and our friends, it helps a lot," said Eak.
Thai Table will open at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Full hours can be found here.