Aroy Thai Chicago: Authenticity that led to Community Connection

In Chicago’s jungle of aroma, spices, and zest, lies a hidden gem known for its authentic Thai cuisine–Aroy Thai Restaurant (“Aroy” means “delicious” in Thai). This culinary haven is the brainchild of Sutee Kowcharoen, a passionate entrepreneur whose journey to success is a flavorful combination of sharing Thai flavors and a warm community space.

“I decided to start Aroy Thai Restaurant when I realized there was a real opportunity to bring authentic Thai cuisine to the local community,” Sutee started. “My passion for sharing the rich flavors and traditions of Thailand with others, coupled with my desire to create a welcoming space where people could experience true Thai hospitality, motivated me to take the leap.” 

With a heart full of dreams and a kitchen filled with spices, he opened his restaurant, ready to bring Aroy flavors of Thailand come alive in every bite. 

While they have the capacity to bring delicious food to the table, it has not been easy to bring customers into the restaurant. Sutee recalled one of their biggest challenges in their early days: establishing a reputation in a competitive market. “Building trust with customers and proving our authenticity took time. We overcame this by consistently delivering high-quality food, creating a warm atmosphere, and engaging with our community,” he elaborated. From this experience, they learned that perseverance paired with an effective word-of-mouth are key factors in the initial phases.

Sutee thanks his parents for being his mentors. The values of hard work, integrity, and always putting customers first that were instilled in him has been the secret ingredient in his own business philosophy. From then on, Aroy Thai continued to fill the hearts and stomachs of patrons and new customers. 

Elizabeth Gomez, a guest at the show Check Please (S15E02) could say nothing but compliments for the place. “They are not afraid to be authentic with their flavors which I do find in a lot of Thai places that people tend to try to like mellow out the flavors.” She also commended the owner for being present and hands-on with the place, “He knows everyone who walks through the door. He’s happy to be there. His mom is the chef.”

Now, Aroy Thai is a beloved gathering place for people of all backgrounds and is a recognized authentic representation of Thai culture in Chicago. Their story of staying authentic to their flavors and having a solid business foundation are great evidences that support Sutee’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Stay true to your passion and values. Challenges will come, but if you believe in your vision and are willing to put in the work, you can overcome them.” Always be open to learning and adapting, and never underestimate the importance of building strong relationships with your community and customers.”

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As his restaurant continues to grow, Ryan remains committed to his mission of creating more than just a place to eat. For him, it’s about building a community, one plate at a time. So, to anyone seeking a culinary adventure beyond the ordinary, Aroy Thai’s doors are open to those who are eager to immerse themselves in the authentic flavors, traditions, and warm hospitality of Thailand—all without leaving the Windy City.