A popular Thai food truck has planted roots in Blount County with its first permanent location.
A-Thai opened May 1 at the Food Lion Shopping Center on Old Knoxville Highway in Maryville, occupying the space previously held by John Henry’s Soup Company. Owners Onnicha and David Dickens initially launched the business through catering in 2022 before operating a food truck full-time for more than two years.
“People follow me on social media, driving around to different locations to find us,” Onnicha said, explaining why they decided to open a storefront. “We thought it would be good for them to have a consistent location.”
The new restaurant features an expanded menu of authentic Thai flavors compared to the truck, including Tom Kha and Tom Yum soups, chicken satay and fresh rolls. All entrees are gluten-free and prepared without MSG. Specialty drinks include Thai iced tea, Thai iced coffee and boba. No alcohol is served. Prices range from $6 to $20 per entree.
The couple plans to continue operating the food truck alongside the restaurant.
David and his wife Onnicha moved to Blount County in 2021 from San Diego, where he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“My folks retired here in ’91,” David said. “So for years we had been visiting when I was on leave. We really liked the area, so when I retired, it made sense to move here.”
The restaurant is open Monday thru Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12-7 p.m.
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