S.S. Gai has inked a lease for a brick-and-mortar flagship location, according to a recent release. Owners Chris and Emma Biard will open the new location at 1106 Chester Avenue sometime in 2026. The space was formerly home to The Golden Door.
The fast-casual Thai restaurant has been operating at The Wash in East Nashville since summer 2023. The Biards drew inspiration from their travels in Southeast Asia to develop the menu, which offers two signature items: the Gai Tod (Thai fried chicken) and the Gai Yang (Thai grilled chicken).
The couple expressed interest in finding their own brick-and-mortar spot earlier this year, telling What Now Nashville that they were in need of a larger space.
“The Wash was built to help get small businesses started,” Emma previously told What Now Nashville. “We’ve had two great years there, but we’re outgrowing the space a little.”
They previously told What Now Nashville that they do not plan to make any major changes menu-wise at the forthcoming location.
“Obviously a bigger location will allow us to do a bit more menu-wise, but at the end of the day, we’re a chicken shop,” Emma said in a previous interview.
