Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining Reopens After Month-Long Closure Due to Starbucks Construction
The Struggle is Real: Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining’s Journey
ROGERS PARK — Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining is reopening its doors this week after a month-long closure due to the construction of a new Starbucks next door. The restaurant, located at 6580 N. Sheridan Road, had to shut down on August 14 due to the devastating impact of dust and debris seeping into the kitchens and food storage areas.
The Unforeseen Consequences of Construction
According to city permits and a video posted on social media by owner and chef Mona Sang, the construction of the Starbucks next door started on August 14, causing chaos for the restaurant. The dust and debris from the construction site made it impossible for employees to work safely, with many experiencing difficulty breathing. Additionally, thousands of dollars’ worth of food had to be thrown away, further exacerbating the financial strain on the restaurant.
A "Heartbreaking" Decision
The decision to close the restaurant after such a short time was a difficult one for Sang, who described it as "heartbreaking." However, she knew that she had to prioritize the safety and well-being of her employees and customers. Sang said, "I had to do what was safe for everyone. It feels like I had to start basically from scratch to reopen the restaurant."
Deep-Cleaning and Reopening
After a thorough deep-cleaning and polishing of the entire restaurant, including its sister restaurant Kaun Khmai, Sang is finally reopening the restaurants this week. Kaun Khmai is a more casual Cambodian eatery serving a variety of dishes in the same storefront as Khmai.
New Normal for Khmai and Kaun Khmai
The restaurants will be open from 4-9 pm on Wednesday to Sunday. Khmai will operate on a reservations-only basis, while Kaun Khmai will only accept walk-ins. Sang is excited to welcome back customers and employees, saying, "It’s a new normal, but we’re ready to move forward and provide our customers with the best dining experience possible."
FAQs
Q: Why did Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining close?
A: The restaurant closed due to the construction of a new Starbucks next door, which caused dust and debris to seep into the kitchens and food storage areas.
Q: How long was the restaurant closed for?
A: The restaurant was closed for approximately a month, from August 14 to September.
Q: What is Kaun Khmai?
A: Kaun Khmai is a more casual Cambodian eatery serving a variety of dishes in the same storefront as Khmai.
Q: Will Khmai and Kaun Khmai operate on the same schedule?
A: Yes, both restaurants will be open from 4-9 pm on Wednesday to Sunday.
