Thai Spirit, a family-owned Thai restaurant on Colorado Boulevard, has been serving authentic cuisine in Eagle Rock for over 40 years. Restaurant manager Saharat Raksanoh said his parents, the owners of Thai Spirit, Chalermkiat and Suteera, are immigrants from Thailand who moved to California to provide a better life for themselves and for their children.
“They began working at other small Thai restaurants to learn the ropes and eventually created their own business,” Raksanoh said. “They received a better income than they would’ve been able to make in Thailand. They wanted my siblings and I to get an American education and citizenship.”
According to Raksanoh, the family has continued to manage the restaurant since its opening in 2004. Raksanoh said different generations take on leadership roles as they age, ensuring that they learn a variety of skills before they eventually manage the restaurant.
“Thai Spirit is not just a business but a symbol of our family’s history, hard work and culture,” Raksanoh said. “Keeping it in the family ensures the preservation of authentic recipes and traditions. It’s about legacy and passing down entrepreneurial values.”
Raksanoh said family members undertake various responsibilities at Thai Spirit, from cooking in the kitchen to managing front-of-house operations and customer service. He said younger family members sometimes assist during busy events and special occasions.
The restaurant is open from noon-3 p.m. and 4-9:30 p.m. every day. Raksanoh said the break from 3-4 p.m. allows the family to reset and prepare for dinner service.
“It gives everyone a chance to recharge during the slower mid-afternoon hours. We have the same family members working everyday,” Raksanoh said.
Raksonah said many customers of Thai Spirit are long-time patrons and neighbors—a mix of local families, professionals and food enthusiasts. He said the restaurant hosts karaoke nights every Friday, bringing in a more diverse audience.
“Many patrons are regulars who appreciate authentic Thai food, but the karaoke nights also attract younger crowds and groups looking for entertainment,” Raksanoh said.
Raksanoh said the local community has been crucial to the success of Thai Spirit and that longtime regulars have supported the business since its establishment. Chris Caceres, a customer, said he has been coming to Thai Spirit for over thirty years.
“My mom brought me here when I was a little kid. I like to bring my little one here too now,” Caceres said.
Michelle Lupinetti, a customer, said she appreciates Thai Spirit’s inclusive design.
“It’s an open floor plan, and they have seating for kids. It’s wheelchair accessible, too,” Lupinetti said.
Paola Espinoza said she considers herself a regular at Thai Spirit. According to Espinoza, the owners treat their customers like family.
“The owners used to be my next door neighbors. They would bring us dishes to try when we’d get together for celebrations,” Espinoza said. “Jane, the owner, is always greeting customers as soon as they walk in to make them feel welcome. She gets to know her customers on a personal level.”
Dennys Vaca, manager of Mountain View Tire & Auto Service, a neighboring storefront, said he allows customers of Thai Spirit to park in the Mountain View parking lot anytime after 6 p.m.
According to Vaca, employees of the auto shop enjoy the daily benefits of working next to the restaurant.
“We can just go in, grab our food then come back. We sometimes get free food and discounts too,” Vaca said.
Raksanoh said Eagle Rock’s changing population has helped Thai Spirit to adapt and grow.
“Eagle Rock has become more diverse and vibrant, bringing in new customers while retaining long-time locals,” Raksanoh said. “The restaurant has evolved by modernizing certain aspects while maintaining its traditional charm.”
Raksanoh said input from the community has been foundational to the restaurant’s success.
“Community feedback has influenced our menu offerings and service approach. The majority of our customers come from our strong community base,” Raksahnoh said. “They are why we are still here today.”
Contact Josey Long at jlong2@oxy.edu.
