We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Apichat Paiboonpanupong. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Apichat below.

Hi Apichat , thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Aroon Thai Kitchen came from a deep personal desire to share the true flavors of Thai food with the local community in more honest and heartfelt way.

“Aroon” means “dawn” in Thai and to me, it represents a fresh start-a new light in the way people experience Thai cuisine.

I noticed that many Thai restaurants in the U.S. often adjusted flavors to fit expectations, sometimes losing the depth and balance that make Thai food so special. I wanted to change that by creating a space where guests could enjoy bold, authentic Thai flavors made with care and respect for tradition.

What excited me most was the opportunity to cook the way I truly believe Thai food should be made-using roasted chilies we prepare ourselves, real palm sugar , coconut cream, and ingredients that bring out full personality of each dish. I saw a gap: people were craving real, soulful food, and I knew we would fill that space with something meaningful .

Aroon Thai Kitchen was never just about opening a restaurant . It was about creating a place where people feel at home, experience genuine Thai hospitality , and discover the complexity and beauty of Thai flavors – from the very first bite.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Aroon Thai Kitchen was born out of a deep love for authentic Thai Cuisine and passion for sharing the true essence of Thai flavors with our community in Murray, Utah. Our journey into the food industry started with the belief that Thai food is more than just Pad Thai or Green Curry- it’s a rich and diverse culinary tradition that deserves to be experienced in its most authentic form.

At Aroon Thai Kitchen, we take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to craft every dish. One of our unique practices is roasting our own chilies to ensure that every spice blend is fresh, bold, and deeply aromatic. We also use real palm sugar and coconut cream to create curries that are perfectly balanced in sweetness and creaminess.

The biggest reward for us is seeing our customers return , not just for the food but for the warm and welcoming atmosphere we strive to create. Our goal is to make Aroon Thai Kitchen a place where people can experience Thai culture through food, whether they are longtime Thai food lovers or first-time explorers of the cuisine.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Aroon Thai Kitchen : Simply Doing Good Things and Focusing on People.

Our Philosophy , this belief is at the heart of everything we do, from the food we prepare to the way we serve our community.

Founded on the principles of authenticity, warmth, and generosity , Aroon Thai Kitchen is more than just a restaurant — it’s a place where food brings people together. Every dish we serve is crafted with care, using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, not only to preserve the rich flavors of Thai cuisine but also to create a dining experience that feels like home.

Our approach is straightforward yet powerful : Put People First. Whether it’s our customers , our team, or our local community, we believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect.

This means ensuring that every guest who walks through our doors feels welcomed, every meal is prepared with intention, and every decision we make contributes to something positive.

But our work doesn’t stop at the kitchen. We are committed to supporting our community in Murray , Utah, whether by providing a welcoming space for friends and families to gather, offering opportunities for our team to grow , or simply sharing a meal that brightens someone’s day.

At the end of the day, our mission remains the same : do good things and focus on people. That’s what makes Aroon Thai Kitchen special—not just the food we serve, but the connections we create along the way.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a restaurant team while maintaining high morale is crucial for long -term success. Here are some strategies tailored for Aroon Thai Kitchen to keep you team motivated , committed and happy:

1 Lead with Purpose and Culture:

* Remind your team that their work is meaningful, whether it’s preparing a meal with care or making a customer feel special.
* Make sure they understand that Aroon Thai Kitchen is not just about food but about creating warmth , joy, and community.

2 Create a Positive and Respectful Work Environment

* Respect goes both ways : Treat every employee with dignity and encourage them to treat each other the same way.
* Let your team voice their thoughts, concerns and ideas without fear.

3 Invest in their Growth : employees stay loyal when they feel they are growing, not just working.

* Teach them about Thai Cuisine, service etiquette, and leadership skills.
* Promote from within whenever possible. Let kitchen assistants grow into chefs, and servers grow into managers.
* Encourage creativity, like letting the team suggest new dish ideas or efficient ways to improve operations.

4 Show Appreciation Regularly : Hard work in a restaurant should never go unnoticed.

* Recognize good work daily— A simple “Great job today!” goes a long way.
* Celebrate milestones— Birthdays, work anniversaries, or reaching goals ( like a record-breaking sales day ) should be acknowledged.

5 Support Work – Life Balance : Burnout is common in the restaurant industry, but we can reduce it by:

* Providing fair schedules – give staff enough rest days and rotate shifts to avoid overworking certain people.
* Being Flexible — Understand personal needs and emergencies. Show empathy builds long-term loyalty.

6 Lead by Example : Your team will mirror your attitude and work ethic, if you stay calm and solution- oriented under pressure, they will too. Treat customers and staff with respect, they will follow suit. Show dedication and passion for your work, they will feel inspired.

7 Address Problems Quickly and Fairly : conflict is inevitable , but how you handle it matters.

* Listen first , then act – understand both sides before making decisions. Be firm but fair—if discipline is needed, ensure it’s constructive, not just punishment. Don’t let the small issues grow into the big problems .

8 Always remember : Happy Employees = Happy Customers

* when your team feels valued, they will naturally create a great experience for customers . If they are engaged, passionate, and proud of their work, it will reflect in the food, service , and atmosphere of Aroon Thai Kitchen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aroonthaikitchen.com
• Instagram: @aroonthaikitchen
• Facebook: @aroonthaikitchen
• Yelp: aroonthaikitchen
• Other: google map : aroonthaikitchen