
People who love authentic Thai food are in luck: Lanna Thai Cuisine is opening in Williamsburg in mid-December.
“The lack of the variety at these local places–– they kinda try to Americanize the food,” said Ernesto Guerra, one of the co-owners of Lanna Thai Cuisine. “When people meant to order spicy food, we’re going to have spicy food.”
The new business is setting up shop where Colonial Pie Co. used to be off Richmond Road near Corey’s Country Kitchen II.
Colonial Pie Co. closed in September due to disputes with the landlord and was open for less than a year, according to its owner.
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Guerra, who lives in Williamsburg, met Vongsapat Wongpitukkul while working at Aticha Thai Cuisine. Wongpitukkul worked there as a cook and Guerra worked in the front of the house.
They decided to open their own restaurant.
Wongpitukkul is originally from Northeast Thailand and Guerra has worked in the restaurant industry for years mainly in the “front of the house” serving as a host or waiter.
The pair plans to serve authentic Thai food dishes and pho, something not offered in the Williamsburg area, Guerra noted.
Authentic Thai cuisine has sour and spicy dishes such as Tom Yum Pho, a spicy, sour noodle dish with lemongrass, a dish that will be served at the restaurant.
The new restaurant will have a casual atmosphere with small tables and booths, a bar and the option of both individual and shared plates.
Currently the business is waiting on city permits for hood suppression and once they open, plan on applying for an ABC license. Renovations include repainting the walls, covering the fireplace and adding new booths.
Guerra said he plans to use the outside area near the entrance as patio seating in the spring.
At first, Guerra was reluctant to say why he wanted to open a restaurant.
“I love customer service,” Guerra said. “I love to get that touch and make them happy.”
Lanna Thai Cuisine, 1330 Richmond Road, is currently hiring for hostesses, servers and dishwashers. Interested? Stop by the restaurant to apply or contact Guerra at 757-506-2382.
The restaurant is in the process of setting up their Facebook page, and the store hours will be determined at a later date.