New Restaurant: Thai Pot

Six months after they opened on Main Street in Downers Grove, the owners of the Thai Cafe are adding a second sit-down venue south of the tracks.

The new Thai Pot opened at 2249 Maple Ave. on Thursday, said Tiffany  Amprachna, a Bangkok native who with members of her family operates Thai Cafe and another Thai restaurant on Roosevelt Road in Lombard.

The family's plan always called for expanding into a larger space that could host patrons interested in a relaxed sit-down meal. The Main Street space has limited counter space and does most of its business in carryout.

The new Thai Pot will open in the space previously occupied by Burrito Fiesta Mexican restaurant in the strip mall at Maple and Belmont. The family was unable to find a location in downtown Downers Grove, Amprachna said.

The new digs will accommodate about 45 diners at 12 tables. The menu will include everything offered by Thai Cafe and then some, including specials. Carryout, catering and delivery will be available at the new location.

Beer and wine are also in the plans. The restaurant will apply for a liquor license, but for the time being will only serve soft drinks, Amprachna said.

The new space should please customers of the Thai Cafe. "Many customers have asked me for a dining room," she said. "We have a lot of people who love my food and I really appreciate them."

Thai Pot hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.