Austin’s Thai Kun Restaurant Closes Due to Rent Issues

Closed sign at Thai Kun restaurant with empty dining area

News Summary

Austin’s beloved Thai Kun restaurant has unexpectedly closed its doors amid serious rent troubles, leaving loyal diners shocked. Known for its authentic Thai cuisine, the restaurant faced a lockout notice as it struggled with a looming rent increase and sluggish sales. Chef Thai Changthong, who previously excelled with the restaurant, has now shifted focus to his new venture, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai and Noodles. The closure marks a significant change in Austin’s vibrant dining scene, but East Side King is gearing up for exciting new developments.

Austin’s Beloved Thai Kun Restaurant Closes Its Doors Amid Rent Troubles

Hey there, Austin! Grab your tissues because it’s time to talk about some sad news that has hit our vibrant food scene. Thai Kun, a well-loved Thai restaurant in our fair city, has unexpectedly closed due to some serious rent issues. Yep, that’s right! The restaurant received a lockout notice for not paying rent, which left many of its loyal diners feeling quite shocked.

From Food Truck to Famed Eatery

Thai Kun started out as a humble food truck under the East Side King family, making its way into the hearts of many folks here in Austin. It first opened its doors as a brick-and-mortar location back in 2016, following two successful years on wheels. Chef Thai Changthong, who actually honed his culinary skills at well-known spots like Uchi and Spin Modern Thai, created Thai Kun to shine a light on authentic Thai cuisine. Despite its popular dishes, many have pointed out that the dining experience in a sterilized outdoor mall setting just couldn’t compete with the vibrant atmosphere of traditional eateries.

A Rising Star in Austin’s Dining Scene

Thai Kun was no stranger to accolades, consistently being ranked among the best restaurants in Austin. In fact, the restaurant snagged the impressive 15th spot on the Statesman’s list in 2022! However, as time went on, Chef Paul Qui noted that a looming rent increase at the end of their lease, combined with a year of sluggish sales, led to a challenging environment. Although they were planning to wrap things up by the end of the month, the unexpected lockout caught everyone off guard.

Menu and Market Challenges

Thai Kun was known for its specialized menu, which included a variety of unique dishes that attracted Thai food enthusiasts from near and far. However, it seems that not everyone in the local demographic was on board with the offerings. As they struggled to resonate with a broader audience, the kitchen became quieter than expected.

Changthong’s New Adventure

Chef Changthong, previously behind the beloved food truck at Wonderland and later at Whisler’s in East Austin, found recognition when his food truck was named a Best New Restaurant by Bon Appétit in 2014. Now, he has shifted his focus to his new restaurant, P Thai’s Khao Man Gai and Noodles, which opened in 2023 at Hong Kong Supermarket. Recently, it moved to a new location on Airport Boulevard in 2024 and has already earned a spot at #23 in the Statesman Dining Guide. Looks like he’s making waves again!

East Side King and Future Plans

With the closing of Thai Kun, East Side King is down to just one remaining restaurant on South Lamar Boulevard and a food truck parked at Cosmic in South Austin. But hold on! Qui mentioned that East Side King is gearing up for some exciting changes and is actively working on evolving its offerings to adapt to the current market.

Looking Ahead

Qui is no stranger to the culinary scene and is busy with other projects too! His Fam Hospitality Group recently launched two new eateries in 2024: Top Roe and Oko. With all this hustle and bustle, it seems Qui is dedicated to keeping Austin’s dining scene vibrant, despite facing personal controversies and legal matters in the past that have since been resolved.

So, there you have it, Austin! As we bid farewell to Thai Kun, we can look forward to the evolving landscape of our local food scene. Let’s continue to cherish our favorite spots and support the amazing chefs who bring the delicious flavors of the world to our plates!