A Thai restaurant that launched five years ago has expanded its footprint, opening a second venue at shopping and dining precinct.
Known for its authentic cuisine, 86 Bangkok opened its new eatery at Kawana Shoppingworld on November 15.
It comes amid a significant upgrade to the dining precinct at the shopping centre, with new retailers, refurbished eateries and improved public spaces.
Director Patumporn ‘Joy’ Donnanchai said the decision to expand 86 Bangkok followed repeated calls from diners for a second venue.
“We have many customers requesting that we open branches in their area,” she said.
“After considering their requests, we decided to choose a shopping centre because it is located in the middle of the community.”
The business, which began at Birtinya in 2020, will continue operating its original restaurant while running the new Kawana location.
Ms Donnanchai said the venues would offer different dining experiences.
“Our first branch is located opposite Sunshine Coast University Hospital, with a capacity of approximately 60 people across both indoor and outdoor dining areas. We offer both dine-in and takeaway services,” she said.
“At our second branch, we encourage customers to dine in and enjoy our good-vibes atmosphere. It can accommodate up to 110 guests and has a full licence, so you can enjoy drinks with friends and family.”
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Ms Donnachai’s husband Kitsadakorn ‘Kitz’ Ketkovit is the head chef and the force behind the restaurant’s recipes.
“My husband has been cooking since he was 10 years old, inspired by his mother, who owned a small restaurant in Bangkok,” she said.
“He manages the kitchen and creates his own recipes.
“We offer a variety of authentic Thai dishes, all homemade from the heart and served to our customers. Every meal is cooked fresh and delivered to our guests.”
Among the top sellers are several house favourites.
“Our signature dishes include massaman beef, pineapple fried rice, soft-shell crab curry, choo chee curry and red duck curry. Our vegan dishes are also very popular,” Ms Donnachai said.
The expansion has also seen the addition of about 10 new staff members.
As for what comes next, the director said they hoped to keep expanding gradually.
“We’re keeping our original food concept and are now searching for a new location near the beach or in a leisure area,” she said.
She said the couple’s connection to the region continued to grow.
“We have been in the Sunshine Coast for almost five years and we love the people and the atmosphere of this city,” she said.
“I will continue to do my best to improve our business and serve quality Thai food to the local community.”
