Thai Express closed but coming back, owner says

Thai Express is currently closed, but the restaurant's owner says it will come back at a later date.

Owner Patrick Netthongkome Jr., also known as Patrick Nett, wrote in a Feb. 18 post on the Thai Express Facebook page that the restaurant's closure is temporary. Rumors based on witness accounts had circulated that day that assets were being seized from the restaurant. 

"There was a private conflict and incident that happened that has forced us to close temporarily," Nett said in the post. "While I do not know how long it will take to resolve these matters, I do anticipate resolving them and getting us back open as quickly as possible. My legal team is working diligently to get us back up and running ASAP and we will continue to post updates on our page."

Nett could not be reached immediately for additional comment by deadline.

In the Facebook post, Nett said Thai Express had not been evicted.

Earlier this month, Nett filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, listing estimated assets of up to $50,000 against estimated liabilities of $500,001 to $1 million, according to past reporting. Among creditors named in the bankruptcy filing was J&L Investments LLC, which last year alleged in a lawsuit that Nett and his Thai Express business have defaulted on payments owed, setting up potential eviction proceedings. 

Nett's bankruptcy filing lists 17 creditors by name, including J&L Investments, Springfield Grocer Co., LVNV Funding, and Chad and Julie Schuchmann. Those four creditors previously filed lawsuits against Nett, according to past reporting.

In the Facebook post, Nett said Thai Express has been under "financial distress" since moving to 2113 W. Republic Road in 2022.

"I resorted to taking out what I call 'shark loans' specifically known as merchant cash advances that put our business in quite a financial disaster," Nett said in the post. "Just over the past few years, we’re talking six figures in interest alone.

"Being in this financial situation, I've made some bold decisions in the past that spiraled out of control and put us in a deeper hole."