I will now have to travel a bit farther to see one of my Broad Ripple friends - all the way to Avon. Sam Sutchaleo, owner of Thai One On, has closed his 65th (actually Coil Street) and Ferguson Street location after two years in business. Sam has been a friend of the Gazette ever since I interviewed him in May 2004, when he was opening the restaurant. Thai One On was the first new business article that appeared in the Gazette. That was in Volume 1 Number 2, back when were growing from being a four page to an eight page paper.

"I want to thank all of my loyal customers," said Sam. "I appreciate their business and all of their kind words to me. The day we announced that we were closing, we received about 50 phone calls from our regulars. They gave us their best wishes and said they wished they could come back more."

"I know that the customers who came in enjoyed the food. I'm very proud of the food we have." In fact, last week, AOL awarded Sam with the title Best Thai Restaurant in Indianapolis. "My goal is still to get people [in the midwest] to know what Thai food is. I want them to know it like they do Mexican food. I am not done yet. I plan to open more restaurants - more Thai restaurants in Indianapolis is better for all Thai restaurants."

The first Thai One On location is still thriving in Avon. Sam will also continue his catering businesses and will participate in local food festivals. We will miss his presence in Broad Ripple, but will certainly see him around town.