Meet thidaphat ariyahirantrakul | Chief Executive Officer and Restaurant owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with thidaphat ariyahirantrakul and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi thidaphat, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a business owner, I believe several behind-the-scenes aspects are crucial for success. First and foremost, effective financial management is vital. This involves budgeting, forecasting, and tracking key financial metrics to ensure profitability and sustainability. Additionally, establishing streamlined operational processes and systems helps optimize efficiency and productivity. Lastly, building a strong company culture and fostering a positive work environment is essential for employee satisfaction and retention.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s not that easy at all. These challenges are common in the restaurant industry, but with careful planning, adaptability, and a focus on customer satisfaction, you can overcome them and create a successful and thriving restaurant. and I learned so many things from this, such as

Competition: The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and attracting and retaining customers can be challenging. It’s important to differentiate your restaurant through unique offerings, quality service, and effective marketing strategies.

Rising costs: Restaurant owners often face increasing costs for ingredients, labor, rent, utilities, and other operational expenses. Managing these costs while maintaining profitability can be a constant challenge.

Staffing and employee turnover: Hiring and retaining skilled staff can be a persistent challenge in the restaurant industry. High employee turnover rates can disrupt operations and increase recruitment and training costs. Creating a positive work environment, offering competitive compensation, and providing opportunities for growth and development can help mitigate this challenge.

Customer expectations: Meeting and exceeding customer expectations can be demanding. Customers today have high expectations for food quality, service speed, ambiance, and overall dining experience. Consistently delivering on these expectations is crucial for customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Seasonal fluctuations: Many restaurants experience seasonal variations in customer demand. Managing fluctuations in sales volume during slow seasons and ensuring efficient operations during peak periods can be challenging. Effective planning, marketing promotions, and menu adjustments can help address these fluctuations.

Food safety and regulations: Compliance with food safety regulations and maintaining high hygiene standards is essential. Staying up-to-date with health and safety requirements, conducting regular inspections, and properly training staff on food handling practices are crucial to ensure a safe dining environment.

Online presence and reviews: With the rise of online platforms and review sites, managing your restaurant’s online reputation is critical. Negative reviews and comments can impact your business. It’s important to actively monitor and respond to online feedback and maintain a strong online presence to attract new customers.

I have always been passionate about organic and sustainable food practices. Working at an organic small restaurant ( Di Fiora ) aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly food system. I am excited about the opportunity to work with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and be part of a team that prioritizes sustainability.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of Course, Di Fiora, Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends, our Asian fusion restaurant offers a space that encourages exploration, discovery, and celebration of diverse Asian flavors. We invite you to embark on a culinary adventure where East meets West, where tradition intertwines with innovation, and where every bite is a fusion of delight.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“Rich Dad Poor Dad” encourages me to challenge conventional beliefs about money and provides insights into how to build wealth. It emphasizes concepts such as financial education, investing, and building assets instead of relying solely on earned income. The book also delves into the differences between assets and liabilities, the importance of cash flow, and the role of entrepreneurship in achieving financial success.

Website: www.difiora.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimmechevvy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chimmechevvy

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/di-fiora-seattle