Today we’d like to introduce you to Kultida Blais.
Hi Kultida, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Fai Thai Plus, LLC began as the Fai Thai Food Truck, the first Thai food truck in Knoxville in 2018. Due to its success and overwhelming support from the community, we transitioned to a brick & mortar establishment on Gay St Downtown, Knoxville in 2021.
Currently, we are at a new location with Western plaza shopping center, 4451 Kingston Pike. We’re proud to have already established a significant presence in and around Knoxville. This is largely thanks to our cherished family recipes, handed down through generations. Moreover, the owner, Kultida “Fai,” has undergone extensive culinary training at the Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts – Business – Walter State Community College.
Fai Kultida has drawn inspiration from the profound heritage of Thai food and the skills acquired from culinary school. After establishing the restaurant, Fai took a moment to reflect, drawing inspiration from her professors, various media sources, and parents who are Thai chefs for over 20 years.
True authentic recipes aren’t just about taste; they’re an experience. When you take that first bite, you should be transported to Thailand. Your palate should identify the umami richness, accompanied by aromatic and full-rounded flavors.
Fai would like nothing less than to seize those opportunities and present the genuine essence of Thai food, especially her grandmother’s recipes which have been passed down for over 100 years.
With the compassion and love of a family-recipe style concept, Fai Thai Kitchen aims to warm the customer’s hearts, ensuring they return every time they think of Thai cuisine.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, the journey hasn’t been smooth—but it does get better over time.
When I first started with the food truck, there were so many things we had to learn on the fly. I thought I could just cook food and serve it. Nope! There were so many other responsibilities—electrical issues, maintenance, and especially marketing, which I knew very little about at the time.
I still remember one chaotic day when we accidentally spilled all the sauces. The entire food truck was covered in Pad Thai sauce. You can imagine the smell of fish sauce and the massive cleanup we had to tackle—it was a total disaster!
When we opened our first brick-and-mortar location on Downtown Gay Street, we quickly ran into challenges. We dealt with a constant breakdowns, overpriced rent, and difficult parking that frustrated our customers. It was a tough period.
But looking back, there was a silver lining: we were on Gay Street. That location helped us build a loyal customer base, and from there, we knew it was time to look for a bigger and better space.
We found Western Plaza Shopping Center and signed a new lease in March 2023. Unfortunately, our contractor didn’t finish the build-out until early October 2023. Since then, we’ve been running a semi-smooth operation. Despite a high turnover rate, I finally have a strong, reliable team—and I truly hope they’ll stay with me for a long time.
At this new location, we still have big plans in progress. We’re working on adding a bar and continuing to decorate the space to make it even more welcoming for both returning and new customers. As a small business owner, every little thing counts. All the good things and great plans come together one step at a time, every single day.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Fai Thai Kitchen started as a dream—and we took a chance to make it real.
We began humbly with a food truck, but we never stopped pushing forward. Now, that dream stands strong in the form of our brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Cooking and serving authentic Thai food to customers in America is more than I ever imagined. It’s truly a dream come true. What sets us apart is the heart behind every dish—my grandma’s recipes, the support of my family, and the love we pour into our cooking.
I’m proud of myself, my team, and my family. We are resilient. No matter what challenges come our way, we never stop doing what we love: serving food with heart.
At Fai Thai Kitchen, we take great pride in every dish we serve. Even as food costs rise, we never cut corners. Every plate is made with care, with love, and with the commitment to quality that defines who we are.
So, to our customers: when you’re hungry, come in. Let our home-cooked Thai food warm your heart and brighten your day.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Please support a local business <3
Pricing:
- Appetizers $5.99-$9.99
- Main dishes $13-$20
- Special $15.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.faithaikitchen.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithaikitchen_journey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070808380810
