Today we’d like to introduce you to Ammy Thepviwat
Hi Ammy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My husband and I met while working together at diner style restaurant . I’m Thai, and he’s Mexican, and we’ve always shared a dream of starting our own business. After years of hard work, we decided to take the leap and open a restaurant.
But starting a restaurant from scratch wasn’t feasible for us, so we decided to begin with something smaller—a food truck. To stand out, we wanted a unique concept that reflected who we are. That’s when the idea struck: why not combine our two backgrounds? Thai and Mexican cuisines actually complement each other beautifully, and Thai-Mex Cocina was born.
Our menu started with simple, yet flavorful dishes. Chicken satay with peanut sauce, crispy pork belly, and spicy garlic shrimp became the heart of our signature creation: the Three Amigos Tacos. We also offered authentic Thai dishes and traditional Mexican favorites to give customers the best of both worlds.
However, launching the food truck was far from easy. We had no prior experience, and there were so many hurdles—finding a place to park, navigating city permits, and figuring out how to stand out in a crowded market. Our first spot was along Santa Monica Beach on Ocean Avenue, but it was fiercely competitive. With only 7–8 parking spots available for food trucks, it was first come, first served. If you arrived late, you didn’t get to sell that day.
Another challenge was getting people to try something new. Many customers were hesitant to try Thai-Mexican fusion, sticking instead to familiar dishes. It was discouraging at times, but we believed in our concept and refused to give up.
After about a year of persistence, things finally started to turn around. We began gaining regular customers, and soon event coordinators started reaching out to us. Selling at events introduced us to new audiences, and the exposure brought in enough business to buy our own food truck.
With time, Thai-Mex Cocina became more than just a food truck. Our growing customer base and positive feedback inspired us to take the next step: opening a restaurant. Several people approached us about opening in a mall, drawn to the uniqueness of our fusion concept. It was a big leap, but we decided to go for it. we opened our first restaurant at the Westfield Century City Mall.
From 2016, eight years later, we look back on our journey with pride. Starting from zero, we’ve faced countless challenges—discouragement, disappointment, and setbacks. But each of those experiences taught us something valuable, and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Our customers, collaborators, and community have been the key to our success. Thank you for believing in us and helping make Thai-Mex Cocina what it is today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My husband and I met while working together at diner style restaurant . I’m Thai, and he’s Mexican, and we’ve always shared a dream of starting our own business. After years of hard work, we decided to take the leap and open a restaurant.
But starting a restaurant from scratch wasn’t feasible for us, so we decided to begin with something smaller—a food truck. To stand out, we wanted a unique concept that reflected who we are. That’s when the idea struck: why not combine our two backgrounds? Thai and Mexican cuisines actually complement each other beautifully, and Thai-Mex Cocina was born.
Our menu started with simple, yet flavorful dishes. Chicken satay with peanut sauce, crispy pork belly, and spicy garlic shrimp became the heart of our signature creation: the Three Amigos Tacos. We also offered authentic Thai dishes and traditional Mexican favorites to give customers the best of both worlds.
However, launching the food truck was far from easy. We had no prior experience, and there were so many hurdles—finding a place to park, navigating city permits, and figuring out how to stand out in a crowded market. Our first spot was along Santa Monica Beach on Ocean Avenue, but it was fiercely competitive. With only 7–8 parking spots available for food trucks, it was first come, first served. If you arrived late, you didn’t get to sell that day.
Another challenge was getting people to try something new. Many customers were hesitant to try Thai-Mexican fusion, sticking instead to familiar dishes. It was discouraging at times, but we believed in our concept and refused to give up.
After about a year of persistence, things finally started to turn around. We began gaining regular customers, and soon event coordinators started reaching out to us. Selling at events introduced us to new audiences, and the exposure brought in enough business to buy our own food truck.
With time, Thai-Mex Cocina became more than just a food truck. Our growing customer base and positive feedback inspired us to take the next step: opening a restaurant. Several people approached us about opening in a mall, drawn to the uniqueness of our fusion concept. It was a big leap, but we decided to go for it. we opened our first restaurant at the Westfield Century City Mall.
From 2016, eight years later, we look back on our journey with pride. Starting from zero, we’ve faced countless challenges—discouragement, disappointment, and setbacks. But each of those experiences taught us something valuable, and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way. Our customers, collaborators, and community have been the key to our success. Thank you for believing in us and helping make Thai-Mex Cocina what it is today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Thai Mex Cocina restaurant and food truck
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thaimex-cocina.com
- Instagram: @thaimexcocina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thaimexcocina
