Chattanooga, TN, August 23, 2025
News Summary
Thai Smile, a cherished Thai restaurant in Chattanooga, has reopened at 321 Market St., just a block from its previous site. Owner Peanut Saeko is excited about the new space, which spans 1,650 square feet and offers an updated dining experience. The restaurant maintains popular hours during the week and on weekends, serving a variety of traditional Thai dishes like spicy curries and stir-fried noodles. The surrounding area is also under development, including the future addition of a Drury Plaza Hotel.
Chattanooga Welcomes Thai Smile’s Reopening at New Location
Thai Smile, the beloved Thai restaurant in Chattanooga, has officially reopened its doors at 321 Market St.. This new site is located just one block away from the restaurant’s previous location at 219 Market St., which closed on July 6, 2023.
Owner Peanut Saeko has expressed enthusiasm about the new setup, which promises to provide an updated dining experience for both new and returning customers. The restaurant’s updated hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. on weekdays, and noon-9 p.m. on weekends.
The new Thai Smile location spans 1,650 square feet and was previously home to Kwench Juice Cafe. It is nestled within a block that also houses the Erlanger Express Care Lifestyle Center and the headquarters of Steam Logistics. In 2027, a new Mast General Store is expected to open at the site of the former Thai Smile.
The relocation comes as part of an arrangement with Noon Development, a local firm that assisted in the renovations and the addition of signage for the new location. The project capitalized on resources from the Lifestyle Center building, which is a total of 60,650 square feet.
Thai Smile’s menu features a variety of traditional Thai dishes, including spicy curries, stir-fried noodles, and fresh salads, appealing to both local residents and visitors alike. The restaurant’s previous site was a piece of Chattanooga’s history, having served as part of the city’s historic “car barns” built in the late 1800s.
A significant development is also underway in the area, as the demolition of the oldest car barn, adjacent to the new Thai Smile, has paved the way for a 200-room Drury Plaza Hotel, which is currently under construction and began work in July 2023. Thai Smile was able to utilize relocation funds to assist with its move, a measure supported by local leaders, including former Mayor Jon Kinsey.
Despite the challenges faced by some restaurants in the downtown district—two others, Taco Mac and Sticky Fingers, also closed earlier this summer—business overall remains vibrant in Chattanooga. A recent report from River City Co. indicated that since July 2024, 23 businesses have opened in downtown, outpacing closures and relocations.
Summary of Thai Smile’s Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Location | 321 Market St., one block from previous location |
| Size | 1,650 square feet |
| Hours of Operation | Mon-Fri: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-9 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 12 p.m.-9 p.m. |
| Menu Highlights | Spicy curries, stir-fried noodles, salads |
| Future Development | Mast General Store planned for former location in 2027 |
FAQ
What are the new operating hours for Thai Smile?
Thai Smile is open Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the hours are noon to 9 p.m.
What is the address of the new Thai Smile location?
Thai Smile has moved to 321 Market St., just one block from their previous location.
What kinds of dishes can customers expect on the menu?
The menu includes traditional Thai dishes such as spicy curries, stir-fried noodles, and salads.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Sticky Fingers BBQ Restaurant Closes After 25 Years
Sticky Fingers BBQ Permanently Shuts Down in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Brewery Announces Closure After Nearly Five Years
Taco Mac Closes Downtown Location in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Restaurants Announce Permanent Closures
Taco Mac Closes Its Downtown Chattanooga Location
Chattanooga Food Safety Scores Released
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Thai Smile Reopens on Market Street
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Chattanoogan: Thai Smile Restaurant Reopens
- Google Search: Thai Smile Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Downtown Chattanooga’s Thai Smile to Close
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Thai Cuisine
- Local 3 News: Three Popular Downtown Chattanooga Restaurants to Close
- Google News: Chattanooga Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
