Owner: Thipi Thai Relocation Will Improve Dining Experience

During the last week of July, prominent Thai restaurant Thipi Thai will relocate from its current location on bustling La Grange Road, where parking is limited, to a location a few blocks away in a quieter area with proximity to ample parking.

The owner says the move is to enhance the customer dining experience, and area business advocates say they support the decision.

"I want [Thipi Thai] to be a destination for people who want to see different culture," owner Thipi Soto said.

Moving from the current address, 50 S. La Grange Road, will allow an extended menu, private dining area, a greater area of delivery service, and traditional Thai dancing, music and decor to be incorporated into the future venue at 25 W. Calendar Court, she said.

Menu changes will include the additions of calamari, scallops, spicy tilapia and a seafood noodles dish, Soto said, and delivery service will expand to cover some of Burr Ridge and Riverside.

The new Thipi Thai's larger bar, with a happy hour and specialty drink menu, will be distinctly separate from the dining area to maintain their customer base of families with young children and attract new diners.

"We have a lot of high school kids come in," Soto said. "We're trying to get more of a family crowd, because the [new] space is big and more separate [from the bar]."

But the integration of Thai culture is perhaps the biggest change customers will notice.

Soto will book traditional Thai dance and traditional Thai music once a month at the new location, she said. And, the new higher ceilings and larger floors will be accented with more red and gold colors and bamboo, according to Soto.

Bob Ware, executive director of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said moving to a bigger space is a plus for Thipi Thai.

"When any business goes through a transition, there are positive things," Ware said

And Ryan Williamson, president of the La Grange Business Association, is supportive of Thipi Soto's decision to move her business to another location within La Grange.

"[Citizens of La Grange] may be able to appreciate the restaurant more than they do now," he said.

Jennie Taveras, a process engineer at Unilever and diner at Thipi Thai, also thought the move could garner increased customer appreciation, by filling a need for open-late nightlife in the area. Indeed, Soto said the new venue may stay open until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.