By Kelly Youngblood
For the owners of Siam Terrace in downtown Urbana, their recipe for success is no secret.
“Do what you love or have a passion for and devote yourself to that. Find and keep good people who can help and support you through hard times. When you can do those, you will be successful!” says owner Ratana Darawankul.
That advice has enabled Darawankul and her husband, Worapot Tangmunarunkit, to serve authentic Thai food to countless loyal customers for the past 19 years,
“This amazing community is incredibly supportive which really drives our small business in striving for success,” she said. “As for myself, I have a love and passion for serving authentic Thai food to people, which is really what drives me to run my business the way I do, with lots of care and affection.”
Darawankul said she loves seeing others enjoy her food, noting how fulfilling it is to receive repeat orders from patrons who have been customers since they first opened nearly two decades ago.
“It warms my heart to see families, friends and colleagues or couples coming and having a good time at Siam Terrace,” she said.
Siam Terrace opened its doors in April 2004, after Darawankul graduated from the University of Illinois. With many international students residing in the Champaign-Urbana and campus community, she saw an opportunity to open a Thai restaurant with “full service for people to socialize and enjoy.”
While she admits initially opening the restaurant was difficult, running the business and remaining successful has proven even more challenging. Staffing is an on-going issue and although their employees are great, it’s sometimes a struggle to find enough help to cover the extensive hours of a restaurant business.
“To overcome that challenge, we have to adapt and constantly train and develop new members of the restaurant,” she said. “Together with our employees, we have to work long hours. Sometimes my kids have to step in and help out when they are needed.”
Darawankul is grateful for her children, who are always ready to lend a hand when needed, as well as the tremendous support of her husband.
“He will always take good care of the customers and restaurant,” she said. “His partnership gives me peace of mind that there will always be someone who I can trust, understand, and assist me in every step.”
If conflicts arise, Darawankul said they find ways to compromise “with the best regard to business and family.”
Darawankul, who has lived in the Champaign-Urbana community for about 23 years, said she loves the convenient location and diverse culture the area provides but her favorite attribute is the people that live here. She also enjoys the food, noting some of her top restaurant picks include Golden Harbor, Star Karaoke, Huaraches Moroleon, and Kohinoor.
Siam Terrace, located at 212 W. Main St. in downtown Urbana, is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed 3-5 p.m.), Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon-9 p.m. Order online at siamterraceurbana.com.