Life & Work with Supachai Paengkariya of Old Pasadena

Today we’d like to introduce you to Supachai Paengkariya.

Hi Supachai, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Los Angeles with a simple goal: to build a better life through food. I began by working in restaurants, learning through hands-on experience and gradually understanding both the kitchen and the business side of hospitality.

In January 2018, I opened MAMA M SUSHI in Old Town Pasadena. The restaurant is tucked away on a quiet street rather than a main road, but that hidden location became part of its identity. Guests often feel like they’ve discovered something special, and many return again and again.

My focus has always been on creating a warm, honest space with consistent quality. Running a small restaurant in Los Angeles comes with constant challenges—economic shifts, rising costs, and uncertainty—but each experience has helped me grow and adapt.

Today, I remain deeply involved in the daily operations and continue to believe in community-driven, neighborhood businesses. Being a “hidden gem” isn’t about staying small—it’s about building something meaningful, steadily, and with intention.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners in the restaurant industry, I’ve faced ongoing challenges, from rising costs and staffing issues to economic uncertainty. The pandemic was especially difficult, forcing me to rethink daily operations while trying to protect both the business and the people behind it.

More recently, the Eaton Fire near Old Town Pasadena had a direct impact on our neighborhood. Reduced foot traffic, safety concerns, and uncertainty affected local businesses in ways that were hard to predict or control. Running a small, independent restaurant also means wearing many hats, and there were times when progress felt slow or invisible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My professional life is centered around hospitality, with a strong focus on independent, community-driven restaurants. I am the owner and operator of MAMA M SUSHI, where I oversee everything from menu development and kitchen operations to guest experience and daily management. My background in hands-on restaurant work allows me to stay closely involved in every aspect of the business.

I specialize in creating food that balances quality, consistency, and approachability, while maintaining a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rather than chasing trends, I focus on building long-term relationships with guests and earning trust through reliability and attention to detail.

What I am most proud of is sustaining a small, independently owned restaurant through years of economic shifts, industry challenges, and unexpected disruptions. What sets me apart is my commitment to being present—working alongside my team, adapting quickly, and continuously improving. I believe success in hospitality comes from consistency, humility, and caring deeply about both the people you serve and the community you’re part of.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My childhood memories aren’t dramatic—they’re quiet and ordinary. I remember going to school, then coming home to sit and eat with my mother. The food my parents cooked always tasted good, even though I had no interest or skill in cooking at the time. Occasionally, I would walk to the market with my grandmother to buy meat and ingredients. It was a long walk, but it felt meaningful and surprisingly joyful.

Looking back, those simple routines around food and family left a deeper impression than I realized. They taught me the value of time spent together and how everyday meals can become lasting memories—lessons that continue to shape the way I think about food today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themamamsushi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themamamsushi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamaMsushi/