Business opens second unit at shopping centre

Thai2Go, one of the market's first vendors to open at Five Valleys, has expanding by opening a second unit increasing their food offer with a menu focusing on Asian noodle dishes.

Two years ago Thai2Go was set up following its owner, Ian Calvert, being made redundant from his job in engineering.

Teaming up with his wife, Sudjai, they have built up a strong customer base of people who enjoy Sudjai’s authentic Asian dishes using her skills and signature recipes from Northeast Thailand where she originated until coming to live in the UK 27 years ago.

Starting the business initially from their kitchen at their Painswick home supplying people with frozen homemade food, they are now building on the success of Thai2Go and have opened The Noodle Bar.

The Noodle Bar can be found next to House of Piri in the former Pie Minster unit now offering Stroud foodies a range of dishes including Noodle Soup, which is made using a secret blend of Asian herbs and spices.

Handmade Dim Sum and a selection of rice dishes are also being served alongside a wide range of drinks, including a signature cocktail menu.

Ian said: “The Stroud community have been really welcoming and loyal to Thai2Go, we have been thrilled with the response and this has prompted us to think what’s next.

“When the unit became available, we jumped at the chance as we have wanted to expand the menu for some time and the additional space allows us to do this.

“We hope everyone enjoys our new noodle dishes alongside our existing Thai favourites at Thai2Go.”

The expansion has created a further 6 jobs to take their team up to 12 employees in total.

Lottie Thompson from the Centre Management Team at Five Valleys, said: “We’re thrilled that one of our start-up businesses who have been at the market since its opening are now in a position to expand.

“We wish Ian and Sudjai the best of luck.”