Ocha Thai to Open in Candler

CANDLER, NC — Ocha Thai, a casual full-service Thai restaurant at 1007 Smokey Park Hwy, Candler, NC 28715, is preparing to open with dine-in service and a call-ahead drive-thru pickup window. Owner Ling Ar told Business Debut the team recently secured its certificate of occupancy and is now applying for its beer and wine license. An official opening date has not yet been set.

What to Expect

Ocha Thai will operate as a full-service Thai restaurant with a casual atmosphere. The dining room will seat about 55 guests. In addition to dine-in service, guests will be able to use a drive-thru window for call-ahead takeout orders.

At opening, the drive-thru will be limited to phone-in orders while the team gets familiar with its systems. Ar said the goal is eventually to add online ordering for pickup through the same window.

Menu and Vision

“It’s going to be a lot of traditional Thai dishes, but we will have a few signature dishes,” Ar told Business Debut. “We’re going to try to use the freshest ingredients and herbs we can.”

The kitchen has been outfitted with a rotisserie, convection steamer and grill to support seasonal specials and rotating items. “Our kitchen is set up where anything is possible,” Ar told Business Debut, noting that the chef will have room to experiment with new dishes alongside a core static menu.

Opening Timeline

Ar said the restaurant recently received its certificate of occupancy and is now focused on securing its beer and wine license. Once permitting is complete, the team will set a formal opening date. He said they are targeting an opening before the end of the year.

Hours

Ocha Thai plans to open six days a week, closing on Sundays. Daily hours are planned for 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 4:30–9 p.m. Hours are subject to change ahead of opening.

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