Bangkok Bistro Set to Open in Demorest This January

Helen restaurateurs bring Thai favorites, sushi, and full bar service to their new second location

A new dining option is coming to Demorest as Bangkok Bistro prepares to open its doors in mid-January. The restaurant is the second location for owners Joel Odegaard and Sirilak Moonporn, the husband-and-wife team behind Bangkok Haus in Helen.

Odegaard says the expansion wasn’t long planned — the opportunity simply appeared at the right time.

“It kind of fell into our lap,” he explained. “Someone was looking to retire and shift into catering only. The price wasn’t bad. And since we had already moved to the Clarkesville area, it made sense. Plus, it gave us the ability to buy our own building.”

Bangkok Bistro is moving into the space formerly occupied by Sweet Breads, giving new life to a location many Demorest residents already know well. In case you’re not familiar with where Sweet Breads was, the address is 579 Georgia Street.

Preparing the Space

The restaurant’s new home in Demorest is already undergoing final touches. Decorations are in progress, beverage equipment from Coca-Cola was installed this week, and the new point-of-sale system is scheduled to be set up within days.

Odegaard expects to file paperwork with the Health Department soon, with hopes of completing inspections before the end of the year.

Opening Date: January 18

While not officially confirmed, January 18 is the target opening date.

“We have a current manager here in Helen who will be going over there,” Odegaard said. “He’s taking a vacation after the holidays, and I don’t want to throw him to the wolves or make him cancel his vacation. So this timing works.”

Hiring & Staff

Bangkok Bistro is expected to employ 10 to 15 people, including servers, a host, a busser, and possibly a bartender.

The restaurant is actively hiring. “We’re planning on training them up here so we’ll be ready when we open there,” Odegaard said. Applications are currently being accepted through an Indeed posting.

A Menu of Favorites — and New Additions

Bangkok Bistro’s menu will closely resemble that of the Helen location, though some adjustments may occur due to the space and layout of the Demorest building.

Some customer favorites coming to Demorest include:

• Orange Sesame Chicken
• Mongolian Beef (and a chicken version)
• Pad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles) — one of Odegaard’s personal favorites
• Pad Thai and Pad See Ew
• Ka Nom Jeen (a traditional Thai dish)
• Noodle soup options

While some specialties such as larb may not be available immediately, Odegaard says other traditional dishes will be offered.

Prices are expected to mirror the Helen location, ranging from $14.95 for vegetable dishes to $19.95 for shrimp entrées.

Sushi Bar Included

One of the biggest additions in Demorest will be a full sushi bar, which replaces the idea of a traditional sit-down alcohol bar inside the building. Despite that change, Bangkok Bistro will still offer full bar service, including beer, wine, and spirits.

Sushi offerings will include:

• Super white tuna (escolar)
• Salmon
• Eel
• California rolls
• Veggie rolls
• Shrimp tempura rolls

Red Dragon

Capacity & Outdoor Seating

The restaurant will seat around 100 customers at full capacity, including outdoor seating. Odegaard said he hopes to eventually enclose the back patio area and possibly add an outdoor sit-down bar in the future.

And of Course… Thai Iced Tea

The restaurant will carry Thai Iced Tea — a fan favorite.

“That’s one of my favorites,” Odegaard laughed. “It’s like Thai crack.”

Next Steps

Bangkok Bistro’s signage is currently in development with designer Jason Hogan of Cleveland. In the meantime, Odegaard says they will provide food photos soon for promotional use.

The community can expect further updates as the opening date approaches.

“We’re excited,” Odegaard said. “We’re looking forward to being part of Demorest and serving everyone.”