POTTSVILLE — Thai food is coming to the city with the opening of Asian Express next week.
Eric Dong, 38, manager and co-owner of the restaurant at 20 N. Centre St., said he will likely open July 25. It will serve Chinese and Thai food.
Renovations to the building that previously housed the Grateful Thread, a weaving store, started in late March and finished last week. Dong’s sister-in-law, Hui Hui Wu, bought the building in February from Stephen R. and Ann Marie Buzalko for $62,500, according to the online Schuylkill County Parcel Locator.
The Sunbury man said he pick-ed the right place to open shop.
“I like this town,” Dong said.
In deciding where to move, he looked at other locations including Middletown, Dauphin County, and Bloomsburg, Columbia County.
“No one has Thai food,” he said of Schuylkill County.
The Thai menu features curry dishes, mango tofu and basil seafood delight, among other choices. Chinese food includes traditional fried rice, wonton soup, lo mein, chow mei fun, pork, chicken, beef and seafood specials. A menu item called “Pottsville Style” with chicken, beef or shrimp is available under the Chef’s Specials. Lunch dishes are also offered.
Dong said he wants people to enjoy a good meal in a peaceful environment. Soft music will play in the background. Artwork chosen by his wife, Jenny, will adorn the walls.
“If your service is good, food is good, people come for you,” he said.
Dong isn’t new to the restaurant scene. He has two restaurants, The Star Garden, (opened in 2008) and Asian Express, Sunbury, which opened in 2014. Both are in Northumberland County.
“We are going to stay here for a long time,” he said.
He has all the employees he needs now, but will likely need part-time employees once business picks up. Those interested can stop by the restaurant for an application.
Asian Express will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. Takeouts are available. Orders are available online at www.asianexpresspottsville.com.
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