SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The city's well-known One of a Thai food truck and restaurant in the curling club turned four years old last month, and its passionate but cagey owner says a big surprise is in store.
One of a Thai owner Sousanh Chanthalangsy, left, mom Thip and cousin Linda Khounkhong take a break from cooking. The small restaurant and food truck has been in business for four years. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo |
It's been a long time since that first opening rush in February 2011.
"When we first launched, it was insane," said Sousanh Chanthalangsy, owner and founder of One of a Thai, speaking about her biggest challenges in running a business. "I didn't know what to expect. I had a huge lineup way out the door and I was not prepared to have a lineup like that."
Despite a successful showing at the Folk on the Rocks festival before opening, Chanthalangsy wasn't sure if people in Yellowknife would be that interested in Thai food.
But the huge response her store received that first day had her struggling to meet demand.
"I wish that our first day could happen the following year," said Chanthalangsy. "Everything now is boom, boom. It's like we've been doing it for more than four years, for forever."
She wanted to open a business and showcase her mom's cooking since high school. Before taking on One of a Thai full time, Chanthalangsy catered while running the McDonald's in Walmart.
"I put so much time and effort into McDonald's, I was like, 'I might as well do that for my own business.' I told (my boss) I can't do both, because it was getting busy here. I gave my month's notice and next thing you know, four years later, I'm still here."
Her advice for humming and hawing would-be entrepreneurs? There's no point in waiting.
"If you want to do something and you have a passion for it, just do it," said Chanthalangsy.
"I didn't know what I was getting myself into but I did it. I learned from my mistakes and I just moved forward. Everything gets better as I go on."
Perks of the job include setting her own hours and working with family, the latter of which some people warned her about.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," said Chanthalangsy.
For a second time, she's been invited to apply for Chopped Canada, a popular cooking game show. She was too busy the first time, but plans to apply now.
One of a Thai will be closing at the curling rink on March 31.
"We're going to have a month of no Thai food in Yellowknife," said Chanthalangsy.
Her food truck, which has been part of the business since 2011, is also up for sale.
Chanthalangsy refused to go into details but encourages people to watch for an announcement from the company in April.
"I'm really trying to keep it on the down low so we can have a surprise for people," she said.
"We are selling the food truck. Having that helped us get to what's happening in April."
