When Chanya Eourdilokkul purchased Thai Kitchen in 2022, she wasn’t simply buying a restaurant. She was taking stewardship of a business that had already become part of the fabric of Ames.
For more than two decades, Thai Kitchen has served authentic Thai cuisine from its longtime home in Campustown. Chanya saw an opportunity to preserve that legacy while bringing fresh ideas and a new vision for growth.
“My goal was to honor Thai Kitchen’s long-standing reputation while helping the business grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers,” she said.
That vision has translated into remarkable results.
Since taking ownership, Thai Kitchen has experienced approximately 80 percent revenue growth through expanded catering services, partnerships with delivery platforms, improved operations, and increased accessibility for customers across the Ames community.
The growth extends well beyond the restaurant’s bottom line.
When Chanya acquired Thai Kitchen, the business employed six to seven people. Today, the staff has grown to 21 employees, creating new opportunities for both local residents and Iowa State University students.
“As the business has grown, we’ve been able to create meaningful employment opportunities while continuing to invest in our team,” she said. “That growth has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.”
From Thailand to Iowa
Before becoming a business owner in Iowa, Chanya built her entrepreneurial experience in Thailand, where she owned and operated multiple businesses focused on bakery, marketing, operations management, and business development. One of her bakery businesses was even featured on Thai national television.
Her family’s move to the United States through the E-2 Investor Visa program eventually led them to Ames, where an opportunity emerged to continue her entrepreneurial journey.
Today, she oversees every aspect of Thai Kitchen, from financial management and strategic planning to marketing, staffing, and daily operations.
Owning a restaurant is demanding work, but for Chanya, it also carries a deeper purpose.
“For me, food is more than a meal,” she said. “It’s a way to share culture, build relationships, and bring people together.”
Sharing Thai Culture One Plate at a Time
That philosophy is reflected in every meal served. Thai Kitchen has built its reputation on fresh, made-to-order dishes while remaining committed to authentic Thai recipes. Many customers are experiencing Thai cuisine for the first time, something Chanya considers both a privilege and a responsibility.
“I am especially proud of introducing Thai flavors and culture to customers in Iowa,” she said. “Seeing first-time guests become regular customers and watching families return with friends to share their favorite dishes is incredibly rewarding.”
Those favorite dishes have become clear over time.
Pad Thai remains the restaurant’s signature item, with nearly 900 orders served over a recent four-week period. Other customer favorites include Pad See Ew, Thai Fried Rice, Pad Key Mao (Drunken Noodles), and Panang Curry.
Beyond the Dining Room
While many customers know Thai Kitchen for its restaurant service, another significant area of growth has come through catering.
Since 2022, the restaurant has expanded its catering operation to serve businesses, schools, churches, weddings, private celebrations, and community organizations throughout Central Iowa. Thai Kitchen has also become an official catering vendor for Iowa State University, serving departments and events across campus.
The expanded catering business has allowed the restaurant to reach thousands of additional customers while strengthening connections throughout the community.
“We’re proud to serve so many different organizations and celebrations,” Chanya said. “Whether it’s a university event, a wedding, a church gathering, or a local business meeting, we’re honored to be part of those moments.”
Community involvement remains an important priority for the restaurant. Beyond catering, Thai Kitchen regularly participates in local events and seeks opportunities to introduce Thai culture through hospitality and food.
Building Something That Lasts
Behind the scenes, Chanya is balancing the responsibilities of business ownership while raising two young children, an experience that has only strengthened her appreciation for the community that supports the restaurant.
Her story reflects a familiar thread woven throughout the Ames region: entrepreneurs who invest in their communities while creating opportunities for others.
What began as a journey from Thailand to Iowa has evolved into something much larger than restaurant ownership.
It has become a story about preserving a local institution, embracing innovation, creating jobs, and using food as a bridge between cultures.
Every plate served at Thai Kitchen represents more than authentic Thai cuisine. It reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape the Ames community, one customer, one meal, and one connection at a time.
Learn more about Thai Kitchen on their website: www.ThaiKitchenAmes.com