Restaurateur and retired Qualcomm software specialist, Paul Srimuang, has conquered the adversities of a pandemic, a damaging property fire, city bureaucracy, and the challenges of learning a new language ever since he arrived to the U.S. from his native Thailand 40 years ago.
Srimaung is the devoted owner of Bahn Thai, which has locations in Hillcrest and University Heights. Both restaurants are currently in a state of positive transition.
The Hillcrest location at 3766 Fifth Ave., was dealt two unfortunate blows in recent years. It opened in 2020 just as the Covid pandemic and resulting lock downs occurred. Then in May of last year, a fire erupted in the kitchen, causing severe smoke damage. The renovation process has been slow and steady, but Srimaung plans on reopening by the end of this year after reinvesting $2 million into the structure.
His eatery at 4646 Park Blvd., in University Heights is Bahn Thai’s original location. He opened it in 2012 to the tune of roasted duck in red curry, zesty stir frys, flavorful vegan options, and only a handful of tables. In six to nine months from now, after wading through the city’s drawn-out permit process, Srimaung will move the popular spot a few doors down into much bigger digs at 4628 Park Blvd., which was previously occupied by Johnston’s restaurant and Small Bar before that. (Note to historians: In the early 1920s, the building was home to a five-and-dime joint called Johnston’s Variety Dept. Store.)
As an immigrant, Srimaung first ran a restaurant with family members in Wichita, Kansas while earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Wichita State University. He then moved to San Diego and pursued an engineering career. He worked for Auto Traders and had also opened several electronic companies before joining Qualcomm’s engineering staff. Since retiring from there last year, he has turned his full attention to the two restaurants, which are family operated.
“I do some of the cooking and I also run the business-management side,” he said proudly while pointing out that the menus will remain the same at both locations. The original menu, he added, hasn’t changed much over the past decade.
