Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Manayunk's Chabaa Thai to take a breather

Owner Moon Krapugthong - who prefers not to call the impending shutdown an actual "closing" - has her eye on another location.

The lease of Chabaa Thai - which has occupied 4371 Main St. since 2004 - ends in September.

But owner Moon Krapugthong - who prefers not to call the inevitable shutdown an actual "closing" - has her eye on another location.

Meanwhile, it is business as usual at Chabaa Thai.

After 4371 Main closes, she plans to host "pop-up" Chabaa Thai events in her Japanese restaurant, Yanako, at 4255 Main St.

Krapugthong is no stranger to Manayunk. She owned MangoMoon for a spell at 4161 Main St., which later became Gemelli and Bisou. It is now being fitted out for a mid-August debut as Beast & Ale, a bar from the Cantina/La Calaca/Taqueria Feliz team.

Chabaa Thai's move/closing/whatever will put a second restaurant space in play on the street, as Hikaru closed earlier this week.

At least the former Agiato Bread Co. spot, at 4351 Main St., will see action again.

Baker Jim McAleese - he is the genius who developed the baguettes for Parc on Rittenhouse Square when it opened - is setting up shop there. He expects to open Breakin' Bread Bakery on a limited basis in September.