By: Vivienne Pearson
After an unexpected change of location, Success Thai have found a new home in Lawson Street, opposite Aquarius Backpackers and diagonally opposite the Byron Bay library.
‘Already lots of customers have found us, so we are really happy,’ says Goy Kingkaew, who has run the restaurant with her husband, Kan, for eight years.
The power of social media is behind this good news story, bolstering the pair as they searched for a new venue. ‘We posted about having to move on Facebook,’ says Goy. ‘And someone put it on a community board so we got lots of support.’
Their first customer upon reopening was longtime regular customer, Ian Daniels. ‘I love the food, it’s proper Thai food,’ says Ian. ‘My family eats there regularly and I know some locals who go there twice a week. The owners are gentle and humble. They provide such friendly service.’
Goy and Kan have kept the menu very similar and, thanks to having more space, they no longer have to restrict the number of dishes that are available each night. ‘We have more flexibility now as we have more capacity,’ explains Goy.
New on the menu, perfect for warm nights, are salads. My Beef Salad was delightfully refreshing, with coriander the perfect accompaniment to the spiced beef. Goy also recommends the Tofu and Cashew salad. ‘The tofu is deep fried and then mixed with coconut, herbs, and Kan’s special sauce,’ she says, adding that it is advisable to come early if you don’t want to be disappointed, as the salads have been regularly selling out.
The team renovated the interior of the space that used to be the Byron Barista School, complete with atmospheric fairy lights across the ceiling and an airy mix of indoor and outdoor tables. It may be that Success Thai’s new location has other benefits too. ‘It’s close to town and to the beach,’ says Goy. Ian agrees: ‘They’ll get all the holiday people now.’
Regulars were unfazed by teething problems (the old phone number has still not transferred) posting comments like: ‘My first ‘New’ Success Chicken Pad Thai tonight tasted even better than before!’
For Goy and Kan, success in their business is about far more than money. ‘The success is in the local support we have received,’ says Goy.
Success Thai, now at 3/31 Lawson Street, Byron Bay. Mon–Sat 12–3 and 5–8.30. Closed Sundays. No bookings (but you can call 15 min ahead to check how busy it is). Takeaway orders: 0402 258 990. Facebook: @SuccessThaiFood.