We recently connected with Fon Khunsamart and have shared our conversation below.

Fon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My name is Jiraphorn Khunsamart, but most people call me Fon. I am the owner of Baker St Cafe – Thai Kitchen in McMinnville, Oregon. I was born in Thailand in a small rural town about an hour east of Bangkok.

You asked me, “What did your parents do right, and how has that impacted you in your life and career?”

My parents taught me to work hard, never give up, and always put family first. When we moved to the U.S. from Thailand when I was 14, we didn’t have much. We didn’t speak English or know anything about America, but we had big dreams and worked hard to make them come true. They showed me that family is the most important thing, and we should always support each other, no matter what.

I grew up in the restaurant industry in Thailand, and it’s what I know and love the most. Watching and learning from my parents in both Thailand and America taught me so much. They sacrificed everything to come to America and live the American dream.

My dad always found clever ways to take care of us, even when times were tough. He would buy the greenest apples because they were sour and lasted longer, so we could stretch our food. I remember one time we had to share a package of instant noodles—my dad gave my sister and me the noodles to share, while he only had the broth. He even collected cans from trash bins in downtown Portland to help provide for us.

I wouldn’t be who I am today or where I am today without their love, support, and the example they set for me. I am so thankful for the opportunities they gave me.

At Baker St Cafe, I’m proud to share our family recipes that have been passed down through generations. We try to make every dish as authentic as you’d find in my hometown. We even visit our family in Thailand regularly to stay true to our roots and bring back fresh and tasty recipes.

McMinnville is known for its wine country, and we’ve been lucky to serve travelers from all over the U.S. who praise the quality of our dishes. We hope you’ll come by and give us a try—you’ll get a little taste of Thailand right here in Oregon!

Fon, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me:
• My name is Jiraphorn Khunsamart, but most people call me Fon.
• I’m the owner of Baker St Cafe – Thai Kitchen in McMinnville, Oregon.
• I was born in Thailand, in a small rural town about an hour east of Bangkok.
• My family and I moved to the U.S. when I was 14

How I Got Into the Industry:
• I grew up in the restaurant industry, both in Thailand and in the U.S.
• Watching and learning from my parents inspired my passion for food and hospitality.
• My parents taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to my roots.

What We Offer:
• Authentic Thai cuisine, featuring dishes like Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Pad See Ew, and many others.
• Many recipes are family traditions, passed down through generations.
• We prioritize quality, authenticity, and flavors that transport diners to Thailand.

What Sets Us Apart:
• Our commitment to sharing authentic, family-inspired Thai cuisine.
• Regular visits to Thailand to bring back fresh ideas and stay true to our roots.
• A welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both locals and tourists exploring McMinnville wine country.

What I’m Most Proud Of:
• Staying true to my family’s traditions while building something new in Oregon.
• Sharing our story, culture, and love for Thai cuisine with our customers.
• Receiving praise from diners all over the country for the flavors and quality of our dishes.

What I Want People to Know:
• Baker St Cafe is not just a restaurant—it’s a reflection of my family’s journey and dream.
• We aim to provide a piece of Thailand through every dish we serve.
• Whether you’re a local or visiting McMinnville, we invite you to experience our food and hospitality.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I saved every paycheck and lived very carefully to save as much money as I could. My first business was started with the money I saved from working minimum-wage jobs. Even though I love my parents, I didn’t always want to work for them. I wanted to be my own boss one day.

After saving enough, I opened my first business and worked hard to make it grow. Later, I saved up again and opened a second location. But when COVID happened, we decided to sell the business. With the money from that sale, I waited until the pandemic was over to start my new business, Baker St Cafe.

During that time, I also became a realtor. I wanted to help my Thai community because there weren’t many people who could help them with buying homes or understanding the paperwork. I worked hard and used some of that money to help start Baker St Cafe.

Right now, I’ve paused my work as a realtor so I can focus on building up Baker St Cafe. Once the cafe is running well, I hope to go back to real estate and keep helping my community achieve their dream of owning a home.

It’s been a lot of hard work, but saving, planning, and following my dreams has helped me get to where I am today.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I came to America, I had to unlearn something I was taught growing up in Asia. My parents always told me to work harder and harder to succeed. I love my parents and I’m thankful for the strong work ethic they taught me, but my husband taught me something new. He showed me the importance of working smarter, not just harder. Learning this has made a big difference in my life and helped me get to where I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Thebakerstcafe.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Thebakerstcafe
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thebakerstcafe