Pinto Thai
Punika and Phichaya Arimrahong opened their restaurant, Pinto Thai, in mid-July. Photo by Leah Ingram Eagle.
When Punika and Phichaya Arimrahong moved to Chelsea from West Palm Beach, Florida two years ago, they knew they wanted to open a restaurant in their community. Their dream recently became a reality, with the opening of Pinto Thai in mid-July.
“We were looking for a place to work close to our house, so we could spend more time with our kids,” said Punika, who is the manager of the restaurant. “We have four kids and would otherwise have to drive 30 to 40 minutes each morning and evening to go to work.”
They have both worked in the restaurant business for many years, as relatives on both sides of their family are restaurant owners. Phichaya’s mother owns a restaurant in Florida, and Punika’s sister owns Thai Orchid in North Carolina. Prichaya spent a year working in his sister-in-law’s restaurant to gain owner experience.
Pinto Thai, located in the Chelsea Court shopping center near Chesser Drive, will offer a variety of dishes ranging from Thai, sushi and hibachi. The Arimrahongs described their food as full of flavor and spice.
They recommended several menu items, including pineapple fried rice, seafood basil and hot plates and the Thai iced tea and coffee.
“We use fine ingredients and prepare real Thai food,” said Phichaya, who is the owner and chef.
The Arimrahongs will bring in a chef with over 20 years’ experience cooking Thai food. Besides the quality of the food, the couple said that one of their highest priorities is for their restaurant to be clean.
“We have both worked in a lot of restaurants and can’t stand it if it’s not clean,” Punika said.
When Pinto Thai’s sign first went on the building, interest began to grow even before they opened their doors.
“People have been stopping by and looking at our sample menu on the door and asking when we would be open,” Punika said.
The couple’s four children attend Chelsea Park Elementary and Chelsea Middle School. The teachers and staff at these schools can look forward to lunch deliveries.
“They can place their orders a week or even a month ahead and they will deliver to them,” Punika said.
“My son’s teacher said she wants to work here so she can have Thai food every day,” Phichaya added.
The restaurant seats 15 people, but Pinto Thai will offer take-out and delivery within a five-mile radius. The Arimrahongs are open to bigger things in the future.
“We wanted to start with something small first,” Punika said.
Pinto Thai
16712 Hwy 280, Suite B
677-4206
Hours: Sun.-Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Lunch)
5-9 p.m. (Dinner)
