Popular downtown Columbus restaurant Chili Thai is permanently closed, owner says
Popular downtown restaurant Chili Thai is permanently closed, its owner Rachanee Dyer told the Ledger-Enquirer Friday afternoon.
The move comes following a series of personal struggles.
Rachanee had a severe COVID-19 case in June 2020 that left her in a month-long coma and near death. Her husband, Glenn, died following a stroke in August 2020.
The restaurant was closed for portions of last summer as Rachanee rested. She told the Ledger-Enquirer in June that she had trouble finding workers and handling the day-to-day operations.
Chili Thai served its final meals on Dec. 31. Rachanee said she plans to sell the restaurant and move back to Thailand.
“I think I’m done working. It’s time to return home,” she said in a text message. “The way I stay longer in the restaurant, my heart hurts more. I miss my husband every day. I thought ‘Keep working and time will help.’ It’s not true.”
Chili Thai first opened on Veterans Parkway in May 2003. The Dyers moved the restaurant downtown to 10th Street in September 2013.
This story was originally published February 4, 2022 at 1:55 PM.