Today we’d like to introduce you to Sasilak Suriwong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My husband and I were born and raised in Thailand before coming to the United States as international students. My husband earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, and I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of North Dakota. After I graduated, I had the opportunity to work at Ernst & Young (EY) in Minneapolis, where I gained valuable experience in accounting, finance, and business. Those skills have helped me manage and grow our restaurant.
Even though our education and careers were not in the food industry, we have always shared a passion for traveling, trying different foods, and experiencing different cultures through cuisine.
After COVID-19, my husband graduated with his Ph.D. Around the same time, we saw an opportunity to start something of our own. We wanted to bring something different to Fargo and create a welcoming place where people could enjoy great Asian-inspired food. It was a big decision and not an easy journey, but we believed in our vision and worked hard to make it happen.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a restaurant was not an easy journey. We had to learn everything from the beginning, including running the business, managing employees, handling finances, and making sure our customers had a great experience.
One of the biggest challenges was introducing Korean food to Fargo because there was no Korean restaurant when we started. Many people had never tried Korean food before, so we had to help customers understand our menu and explain the different Korean dishes we offer. Like many small businesses, we also faced staffing shortages, rising food costs, and unexpected challenges like supply delays and equipment breakdowns.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Little Brother is a family-owned restaurant in downtown Fargo serving Korean-inspired and Asian fusion food. Our goal has always been simple: to serve fresh, delicious food at a price everyone can enjoy.
We are known for our friendly service, homemade sauces, and flavorful dishes made with quality ingredients. We offer Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese-inspired food, so there is something for everyone.
What makes us different is that we care about every meal we serve. We work hard to give our customers good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and great value. We are also proud to support our community by participating in local events like the Red River Market and Downtown Fargo Street Fair.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One thing that helped us the most was getting involved in the community. We joined local events, met other business owners, and built relationships over time. I was also very lucky to become friends with one of our regular customers. He shared his experience and helped me understand the business cycle in downtown Fargo, our target customers, and how to price our menu. His advice gave me a better understanding of the local market.
My advice is to be open, ask questions, and connect with people. Every conversation is a chance to learn something new. The relationships you build can make a big difference, not only in your business but also in your personal life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.littlebrothernd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebrotherfargo?igsh=Z3F2OTV2M21hMjky
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/194ThioHju/?mibextid=wwXIfr
