Things are picking up lately. Pics from earlier tonight at Starbeam's. Have also met quite a few new farangs coming in the past few weeks as the country is opening up and people are coming back and up to Surin. Some customers earlier this evening. Was there for breakfast and some were coming in right as we were opening. A busy day for the gals.
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While we are and have been having custom from our frequent local Thai regulars, teachers, doctors and nurses and medical students from the nearby hospital, we have seen an increase in others who are told about our foods by others who enjoy our menu offerings. The lessening of the Covid restrictions has made people more likely to be out and about and looking for new places to eat on the suggestions of their friends and families.
I am usually there in the restaurant every Thursday morning/early afternoon as my house cleaning lady comes to clean the house in Thep Thani and I leave her to her duties without my being in the way. Just about every Thursday morning the past couple months I have met new customers, farangs and their wives returning to the area after the Covid lockdowns. When I ask them how they heard about our place nearly all have stated it was through our Tripadvisor account. (Just a tip for others with a business here in Surin. Tripadvisor does help quite a bit in gaining attention and is used by many.)
Yesterday morning just as we were opening 3 Thai gents popped in for breakfast. After their meals were served one man asked my wife if we get many farangs in our place. My wife said yes, we have expat regulars who frequent our place, and recently have been seeing new faces coming in. Made me wonder a bit why he asked. I do realize, and have noticed over the years, that some Thais do not like being among farangs or at large farang gatherings. I've an idea why, various reasons I have thought of: shy, not knowing the language of the farangs, not liking how loud some westerners are at times, problems they may have had previously when mingling with 'foreigners', etc. I just thought his question a bit, I dunno, odd somewhat. Made me think about it.
I've also seen recently a few more restaurants opening on Soi Kola. A new noodle shop in the old shop of the recently departed Christian's bar, another chain place 'Uncle Mustache' which has places all around the country I am told, another being worked on to open next to the old biker joint, the Thai Texas chicken place that opened recently next to AA restaurant/pub by Paul's wife, and, just saw the other day that there is now a coffee and pastries kiosk in front of The Beach that is supposedly going to be open 24/7 according to Francois. I also saw the old Hippy House restaurant and bar is open seemingly by other entrepreneurs and not the previous owner Mr. Dome.
Looks like the Covid restrictions being lifted has encouraged new places to open and the area seems much more lively with people out and about. I wish them all well. It has been a hard couple of years for many businesses here in Surin and around the country. Many lost their businesses and their incomes, owners and staff alike.
Just some thoughts and observations.
P.S. I was also brought some Dunkin Donuts donuts Wednesday by my daughter and wife. I was stunned actually. They tell me a new Dunkin Donuts shop has opened at BigC. And they supposedly serve Dunks coffee, which is a favorite in the Boston area and a cuppa I always have enjoyed. Screw Starbucks for its over priced cup of Joe.
Things are looking up (hopefully) if the pricing is reasonable at Dunks. Will need to stop by the Beach as well and see what their coffee is like all hours of the day and night. Was told they are using some sort of Italian coffee makers at their place.
