Thai fine-dining icon Arun bids farewell after nearly 40 years

FOX 32 reports that Arun's Thai Restaurant, a fine-dining establishment on Chicago's Northwest Side at 4156 N Kedzie Ave., has closed its doors after 39 years of operation. The owner, Arun Sampanthavivat from Thailand, who established the restaurant in 1985, has decided to retire from culinary work at age 78.

According to FOX 32's coverage, the restaurant's final day of service featured a nine-course meal served to approximately 40 guests. The venue, known for its sophisticated ambiance, showcased several paintings by Sampanthavivat's brother, including a notable mural depicting Buddha's pre-enlightenment moments. The station highlighted how the establishment had become a global culinary destination over the years.

FOX 32 interviewed several patrons on the closing day, including a couple celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. They described the restaurant as a high-end establishment that maintained its elegance without becoming pretentious or overly trendy. One customer recalled being unable to afford dining there in the 1990s, demonstrating the restaurant's long-standing reputation as an upscale dining destination.

The station reported that Sampanthavivat's decision to close was primarily age-related, with the owner expressing a desire to retire while still able. FOX 32 noted that his future plans include selling both the building and the artwork in Albany Park before returning to Thailand for retirement.

The closure, as depicted by FOX 32, represents the end of an era for Chicago's fine dining scene, particularly for its contribution to elevating Thai cuisine in the city. The restaurant's legacy spans nearly four decades of serving sophisticated Thai cuisine to discerning diners from around the world.