Parenthood can inspire positive change. It did for Thitiya Nguyen and her husband, Steven Nguyen.
The couple recently announced the opening of Raya’s Hot Kitchen, named after their daughter. Raya’s will open at The Silos in Easley this spring, serving Thai and Vietnamese fare.
Thitiya is Thai, and Steven has Vietnamese heritage.
“Raya is our inspiration. She’s what make us want to do better for ourselves to create a better future for her,” Thitiya said.
The logo for Raya’s depicts its namesake.
Both Steven and Thitiya’s families are involved with restaurants. Thitiya’s family owns Sirin Thai on Wade Hampton Boulevard and Sirin Thai #2 on Old Buncombe Road. Steven’s father is a hibachi chef.
The food industry was a natural step for the pair, having watched their parents work or run restaurants growing up. Still, they were wary of the time a full brick-and-mortar may take away from time with their daughter and opted for a smaller-scale operation instead.
The eatery will begin by focusing on grilled fare.
“A lot of Asian cultures eat grilled foods,” Thitiya said. “But that’s not something that people really think about.”
That said, she will still put her twist on the cuisine. Diners can expect grilled meats and favorites like pork spring rolls to start. The Nguyens will introduce other foods to the menu based on response.
“Pad Thai is in my future,” she said. “Curry will be there, papaya salad will be there, but I have to see my crowd … see how my audience like it.”
Raya’s will be located near Pink Mama’s Ice Cream in the Silos, located along West Main Street in downtown Easley. Soon, upstate artist Lacey Hennessey will paint a mural on the building with Thai and Vietnamese designs, giving way to what diners can expect from the upcoming residents of the food hall.
