BUCKTOWN — A popular Thai restaurant in the city's North Center neighborhood will add a second location adjacent to a Bucktown gas station complex.
Sam Ratanasuwan and Koman Purananda, owners of Sticky Rice at 4018 N. Western Ave., will be opening an outpost at 1746 N. Western Ave., in storefront that formerly housed a Dunkin Donuts.
"We are very excited, after nine years we are ready to expand," said Ratanasuwan.
To be called "Sticky Rice Chiang Mai" — named for a large city in northern Thailand where both Ratausauwan and Purananda are from — the 1500 square-foot space will join a complex that includes a Snappy Convenience Store, Mobile Gas Station and a nail salon, Jimmy Nails.
Ratanasuwan said the new restaurant will be able to fit around 52 patrons and delivery and carry-out will be available too.
The same menu from the North Center location, including popular papaya and beef salads and curries will be used at the Bucktown outpost, Ratanasuwan said.
"With between 80 and 100 items on our menu, we cover every aspect of Thai food," he said.
Currently employing 12 workers, Ratanasuwan said many employees will be picking up more hours with the new location and he plans to add "at least eight new employees."
After a six to eight week build out, Sticky Rice Chiang Mai will open "hopefully right after the fourth of July," Ratanasuwan said.
