This week Lazy Susan announced plans to close their prominent charcoal-grill-centric restaurant on July 23rd after nearly three years in operation. Crews will then set to work renovating the storefront at 7937 SE Stark Street, transforming it into a new dining experience run by the same individuals behind Lazy Susan. The eatery’s owner will pivot to Thai-inspired cuisine, aligning the menu with his other successful restaurants.
Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom started work on the Lazy Susan ahead of the pandemic, opening in one of the worst environments for dining amid shutdowns and seating restrictions. However, by outward appearances, Lazy Susan defied the odds building a loyal and regular following. Unfortunately, it never reached the same success as Ninsom’s other ventures, and the economics of this restaurant had too many headwinds. “Margins have been so tight that it’s time to make a pivot to benefit everybody that works here and the owners,” explained Tim Soucie, General Manager of the Lazy Susan. Soucie revealed the closure to staff on Monday, offering to find people positions at other Ninsom-owned locations and encouraging them to reapply for the new restaurant when it opens.
Earl Ninsom is known for creating food destinations focusing on distinct parts of Thai cooking, including recent successes like Phuket Cafe, PaaDee, and Eem. Lazy Susan was a departure from that model, and Tim Soucie says the new restaurant will align Montavilla’s location with Ninsom’s other ventures. “It will fit within the brand of the company,” remarked Soucie. The same woodworkers who created the Lazy Susan interior will update the restaurant, preserving what they can while creating a new seating experience. Painters will rework the color pallet, and electricians will change the lighting ahead of the relaunch.
Tim Soucie will continue to serve as General Manager when the space reopens, and he is excited about the change, having complete faith in Ninsom’s vision and track record. However, Soucie will miss the seasonal aspect of the old restaurant and its creative takes on American-style foods prepared over the charcoal grill. Ultanantly he is happy that the restaurant will remain on Stark Street and his staff can continue their efforts to delight Portlanders through food. “We appreciate how welcoming Montavilla has been with us. This is such a unique community within Portland. We want to bring something new and fresh that will draw more people to the neighborhood, something that is a little bit different, a little bit edgy,” said Soucie.
Fans of Lazy Susan have one week to enjoy their favorite items before the chefs retire the menu. Details about the new restaurant should arrive after the renovation crew begins work next month. However, Ninsom is known to have recently worked on a Bangkok Chinatown inspired restaurant idea. Information about that project places its opening date in alignment with this remodel, hinting at a potential theme for this space. Construction should last four to six weeks, with completion at the end of Summer.
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