Business for a Better World: Thai Buri
Thai Buri, Inc.
1041-43 E. Lake-Cook Road, Wheeling 60090
(224) 676-0157
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ThaiBuriRestaurant
Industry: Full service restaurant: dine in, takeout, delivery
Annual revenue: $350,000-$500,000 projected
Number of employees: 5
Q: Describe your company.
A: A full-service Thai restaurant - dine in, takeout, delivery and catering. There are two distinct flavorings in Thailand. Southern Thai is spicy. Northern Thailand is more flavorful but not as spicy. Thai Buri is a combination of both. It is very flavorful and could be spicy if the customer would like that.
Q: Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
A: As the business grows we intend to add more employees and expand if space is available. It will all be determined by the success of the business.
Q: What will your company's main challenges be in the next year?
A: Getting the word out to the community about a new Thai restaurant in the Wheeling area on Lake-Cook Road. We will actively reach out to the many businesses that surround Thai Buri, give out menus and possibly sample appetizers, and encourage them to come by and try us out. Katie Kulsirinut Olsen, the owner, also has an extensive list of former customers from I Am Siam in Wheeling who we will reach out to, to let them know to come by and enjoy that same great Thai food they enjoyed for many years.
Q: What's the hottest trend in your industry?
A: Good Thai food has become very popular. Thai food is very healthy and flavorful. Our menu includes tofu, chicken, beef, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes. The younger adult demographic is very careful about what they eat, and Thai food is an excellent choice.
Q: Does climate change affect how your company does business?
A: The climate impacts restaurants in many ways. The cold winter weather prevents customers from going outside as a family to dine. Our takeout and delivery services should thrive in the bad weather. We have a 40-seat restaurant that will be popular in the warmer weather when families do go out to restaurants together.
Q: What does your company do to reduce the effects of climate change?
A: We recently completed an energy-efficient complete buildout with all new equipment. The previous tenants were a Subway and a currency exchange.
Q: Is your company minority-owned? Woman-owned? If so, what are the challenges of being a minority- or woman-owned company?
A: Yes, AAPI minority. Yes, owned by Katie Kulsirinut Olsen, an AAPI woman. There are no real challenges as an AAPI woman in owning a Thai-oriented business. "I am happy to bring this aspect of my culture to the Wheeling area." She brings with her the history and knowledge of cooking the finest recipes to serve to her customers.
Q: What does your company do regarding DE & I (diversity, equity & inclusion)?
A: We employ members of the AAPI community and pay fair wages.
Q: Does your company donate time or money to any philanthropic causes? If so, what causes?
A: Part of our ongoing service to the community will be to look at various opportunities to become involved in the community. We will look at various organizations and see which ones best reflect Thai Buri's efforts to help the community.
Q: Does your company do anything else to make your community better?
A: We truly feel that bringing good, healthy and delicious Thai food to the Wheeling area makes Wheeling and the surrounding communities a better place. There are many restaurants in the area, but great healthy Thai food makes a big difference as an option for dining. We think of our customers as part of the family. Regular customers are often greeted with hugs and good conversation. Thai Buri will be the place to go for a fun and enjoyable dining experience.
Q: What do you do to make your business a good place to work for your employees?
A: Katie is a wonderful person who was successful in business in Thailand. She will bring her culture to the new Thai Buri. Employees will be treated well, as they are the basis for her success, and they will enjoy working with and for Katie.
Q: Do you have a business mantra?
A: As mentioned before, Thai Buri will be a place to go for a dining experience that includes good fun conversation with Katie. It will be a place to go "where everybody knows your name" - sort of like Cheers, but with good Thai food, and not a bar.
Q: What is one interesting fact about your company that most people may not know?
A: The owner was trained at I Am Siam, one of the most popular Wheeling restaurants between 2000 and 2015, when it closed as the result of problems with a new landlord. Katie will bring the same dining experience to Thai Buri that everyone enjoyed at I Am Siam, and families will enjoy their time dining and visiting with Katie.
Q. What is it like opening a business today in this business environment?
A: It is difficult. Thai Buri started from the storefronts of a Subway and a currency exchange. The plan was to build out a new restaurant from bare walls. A budget was projected to do such a project, but costs started to rise, and the budget soon was exhausted with unanticipated costs. Katie needed to reach out to friends to help her finish the project. It was important for Katie to not have partners but rather investors who will be paid back in a timely fashion. The project was completed, all inspections were passed, and Thai Buri opened on June 2.
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Thai Buri, Inc.
1041-43 E. Lake-Cook Road, Wheeling 60090
(224) 676-0157
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ThaiBuriRestaurant
Industry: Full service restaurant: dine in, takeout, delivery
Annual revenue: $350,000-$500,000 projected
Number of employees: 5