Running a restaurant in San Francisco is a beautiful dream, but it also comes with its challenges. Today, I want to talk about something very personal: Reviews.
I pour my heart into the colors of our walls and the flavors of our curries. When a customer walks out with a big smile and says, “Abid, that was heavenly!” my heart is full.
But I’ve noticed a strange thing in the digital world.
The “Silent Happiness”
Often, when a guest has a wonderful experience, they leave Sawaan with a full stomach and a happy soul, and they go on with their busy lives. We call this “Silent Happiness.” On the other hand, when someone finds that our “Thai-Thai” style isn’t what they expected, or if we hit a small bump in our service, they are very quick to go online and write a review.
When “Authentic” Meets “Expectation”
Sometimes, we get a lower rating because we use instant noodles in our Drunken Noodles, or because our Cloud Rings aren’t the standard shrimp cakes people see everywhere else.
As an owner, I have to stay true to my vision of art and authentic Thai culture. I want to serve the food I love from home, even if it’s different from what people are used to. But it can be hard to see a low rating when we are simply trying to be authentic.
A Small Request to Our Friends
If you have ever dined with us and felt like you truly reached “Sawaan” (Heaven)—if you loved the “bounce” of the Cloud Rings or the spice of our street-style noodles—I have a small favor to ask:
Please share that story online.
In the world of small businesses, your positive voice is the fuel that keeps us going. It helps other people find us and understand what “Thai-Thai” food is all about. Your one minute of writing can make a whole week of hard work worth it for my wife, our team, and me.
To those who have already shared your kind words: Thank you. You are the reason we keep the wok hot and the art vibrant.
— Abid
