The article details the journey of Chef Alan Akwai and Chef Earl Ninsom in establishing the popular Portland restaurant Hat Yai. Initially collaborating at Langbaan, the chefs were inspired to create a fast-casual dining experience reflecting local flavors and community needs. Despite initial doubts about their chosen location being too narrow for a restaurant, they opened Hat Yai, which quickly became a local favorite. By 2024, the restaurant celebrated record-breaking weekends and has become an integral part of the neighborhood's dining landscape, showcasing specialty dishes like the "Hat Yai for 2."
"In this neighborhood, we hit all those marks right, where it can be a weekly thing for families, tourists, visitors, carry-out on a school night or when you're sick."
"The landlord happened to be on the premises, he showed us the space. It was new, this whole building. We were wondering if it was too narrow to fit a restaurant."
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