Today we’d like to introduce you to Patcharin Nuankhao.
Hi Patcharin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
”From working as a chef and restaurant manager in Thailand to becoming a business owner in Bemidji, my journey has always been fueled by a deep love for authentic Asian food and community. After moving to the U.S. as a sponsored chef, I was fortunate to have the mentorship and support of my former boss Thamrong ‘Keng” Dechawuth, who believed in my vision and helped turn my dreams into reality. What started as Kin Asian Market has since grown into a family of businesses, including Kin Poke, a partnership with Pho Bemidji, and our newest addition, Kin Cafe. I am incredibly passionate about sharing my heritage and bringing exciting new culinary experiences to Bemidji.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“Doing business in Bemidji comes with high shipping costs due to its remote, small-town location. As a small Asian grocery, we can’t buy in bulk or hold large inventory. Rising import taxes also cut into our margins, and because we refuse to overcharge our customers, we keep our markups low. To stay profitable, we are now looking to expand into new products and services.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kin Asian Market?
“Known for bringing viral Asian products to Bemidji, our small Asian grocery store is now expanding into food services to share an even wider variety of rich culinary cultures.”
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
“I hope my story offers something useful for your own business journey. Don’t be afraid to chase the opportunities around you. Success takes time, and it definitely doesn’t happen overnight—the first year requires a lot of patience. You might not win every single time, but every setback is just a great learning experience.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinasianmarket/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078064410798
