According to a recent permit filing, KEADKAO LLC will introduce a new Thai concept to Lincoln Park, located at 2100 N Halsted Street.
“Under the same company that opened KEADKAO Express, KEADKAO LLC will open another restaurant. It will be an elevated, modern Thai restaurant with a bar. We plan to open the new concept soon,” owner Pattama “Patt” Tongphong told What Now Chicago.
When it comes to KEADKAO Express, their origins trace back to what is described as a serendipitous encounter between two visionaries, Tom and Patt. Their journey commenced during an internship following their graduation, where they both attained master’s degrees from Illinois Tech. During their time as interns, they faced a common challenge – the quest for affordable, healthy fast food with an authentic Thai flavor.
This shared pursuit of culinary excellence and authenticity served as the catalyst for their entrepreneurial aspirations. Tom brought to the table over five years of culinary expertise, having honed his skills as a chef in a Thai restaurant in Australia. Meanwhile, Patt hailed from a family renowned for operating a restaurant celebrated for its delectable southern Thai cuisine in Thailand.
The name KEADKAO holds special significance, as it pays homage to the women who inspired Tom and Patt – their mothers. These incredible women instilled in them the values of exploration and living life to the fullest, according to KEADKAO Express’s company website.