By spring, look for a St. Louis dining institution to open at its new home in Richmond Heights.
The owners of King & I Thai restaurant, which has occupied a prominent corner location along South Grand Avenue for almost 30 years, have announced the eatery will move to a modern, new space in spring 2023.
King & I opened in 1983 as the first Thai restaurant in St. Louis, offering authentic, home-style cooking and regional specialties from central, northern and southern Thailand. Owners Suchin and Sue Prapaisilp relocated to the South Grand location in 1993, where the restaurant continues to thrive today.
“We have experienced nearly 30 wonderful years at our home on South Grand and have been lucky to watch the neighborhood develop into one of the most diverse culinary scenes in the area,” said Shayn Prapaisilp, Suchin and Sue’s son, who is chief operating officer of Global Foods Group and representative for King & I restaurant’s ownership group.
Prapaisilp adds the Tower Grove South neighborhood will always hold a special place in his family’s heart as their first home.
“But we look forward to the possibilities that our next chapter holds,” he said. “We’re looking forward to modernizing King & I while delivering the same great Thai cuisine, along with the opportunity to play around with new takes on familiar Thai cuisine.”
The new location, in the former Blaze Pizza storefront at 8039 Dale Ave. in Richmond Heights, will have 3,100 square feet of space with seating for approximately 50 guests.
The restaurant’s current South Grand location will remain open until construction of the new location is complete. The grand opening for the new restaurant will be announced at a later date.
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