The owners of a restaurant known for some of the best pad thai in Salt Lake County asked fans and customers for help in a financial crisis — and the community quickly responded.
The family that operates Chanon Thai Cafe, at 278 E. 900 South in Salt Lake City’s Liberty Wells neighborhood, launched a crowdfunding campaign last week on GoFundMe. The initial goal was to raise $26,000 to pay for the family patriarch’s medical bills and keep the eatery operating.
“It is very difficult for me to ask for help, but right now I truly don’t know where else to turn,” Sasipa Chanon wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Chanon wrote that her father became seriously ill and was hospitalized, “and the cost of his medical care has been overwhelming.” At the same time, sales at the 19-year-old restaurant have dropped, Chanon wrote.
The cafe was not eligible to receive assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Chanon wrote, so the family has taken out high-interest loans to keep the business going.
“These loans have created a heavy financial burden that we are struggling to manage during this already painful time,” Chanon wrote.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe campaign had surpassed its initial goal, raising more than $26,000, thanks to more than 440 people pledging donations.
More donations continued to trickle in into the Thanksgiving holiday, with many chipping in $10 to $20 and at least one person pledging $1,000.
A call to the restaurant Wednesday afternoon wasn’t immediately returned.
In 2021, The Salt Lake Tribune asked readers to vote on the best pad thai in Salt Lake County. Chanon Thai Cafe tied for third.
The cafe’s crowdfunding campaign comes as the restaurant industry in and around Salt Lake City is experiencing a downturn. Earlier this month, Michele Corigliano, executive director of the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association, said “business is down across the board,” particularly among middle- to lower-priced restaurants.
In the last two months, Salt Lake County restaurants including Current Fish & Oyster, Pizza Bar, Cafe Niche, Sal y Limon and Los Botellas have all closed.
Chanon’s message ended with gratitude.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, your compassion, and your prayers for my father,” Chanon wrote on GoFundMe. “Your support gives us hope during the most difficult moment of our lives.”