Today we’d like to introduce you to Vichulada Pengsalood.
Hi Vichulada, 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?
I moved to the United States when I was 19 years old. At first, I worked in a restaurant simply to survive and support myself. I didn’t plan to build a career in restaurants back then, but over time I learned the business and grew to love it.
After about five years, I met my husband,He had a restaurant in South Beach — a Chinese and Japanese restaurant called Yummy on Alton Road. That was our first big step as business owners.
Later, when I had children, I wanted a better environment for family life, so I moved to Pembroke Pines. That move became the next chapter of my journey, where I built three Thai and Sushi restaurants.
I started with survival, growing through hard work, and building something meaningful step by step.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The restaurant business is never easy, and we’ve faced many challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles was going through COVID. That period forced us to change, adapt, and rethink everything about how we operated.
Because we are a family-owned business and not a large corporate restaurant, we have to be involved in every detail. It’s a lot of work — being present every day, managing staff, watching costs, and making sure customers receive the best experience possible.
During COVID, it was especially hard. We had to survive with takeout, delivery, and reduced staff, while still trying to keep our team and customers safe. It tested our strength and patience.
But those challenges made us stronger. They taught us how to adapt quickly, stay resilient, and never take our customers for granted. Today, I’m proud that we made it through. And today again as you can see everything cost extra, but we are still here.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run three Thai and Sushi restaurants in Pembroke Pines. My work is a mix of everything — from creating menus and managing staff to ensuring quality, service, and customer experience. Because we are a family-owned business, I’m involved in daily operations and every important decision.
We specialize in Thai and Japanese cuisine, combining authentic flavors with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality. What we’re known for is consistency — good food, friendly service, and a welcoming environment where customers feel comfortable coming back again and again.
What I’m most proud of is building these restaurants from the ground up and creating a place that supports my family, my employees, and serves the community. Many of our staff have been with us for years, and many of our customers feel like family — that means a lot to me.
What sets us apart is heart. We don’t just serve food — we care about the experience. I believe people remember how you make them feel, and that’s what I focus on every day.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that might surprise people is that when I first started in the restaurant business, I didn’t plan to become a business owner at all. I was just trying to survive and support myself. I learned everything by doing — no formal training, just experience, mistakes, and persistence.
Another thing people may not know is how much time and heart goes into a family-owned restaurant. I’m not just an owner — I’m involved in everything behind the scenes every day. I truly care about my customers, my staff, and the experience we create, and that personal involvement is something many people don’t see.
Pricing:
- We focus on offering high-quality food at fair, accessible prices. Most guests spend around $15–$25 per person depending on their selections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://365thaisushi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/365thaisushiwest
