Today we’d like to introduce you to Chananpat Stevens.
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?
I was born and raised in Thailand. I have always worked in the five-star hotel and resort industry, both in Thailand and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Eventually, I had the opportunity to move to the United States and married my husband, who is an engineer at a major automotive company in the state of Michigan.
After getting married, I decided to start a Thai restaurant business. My husband, who loves Thai food, fully supported the idea of opening a restaurant that serves truly authentic Thai flavors—just like the dishes we enjoy at home.
I consulted with my sister, who has been running a Thai restaurant business in East Lansing, Michigan, for over 20 years, and told her I wanted to open a Thai restaurant. I asked for her guidance and support. Together, we agreed to open a second location under the name Thai Princess (the first location is in East Lansing). Eventually, we successfully opened the second branch: Thai Princess Bloomfield.
I know exactly what I’m doing. Essential and hard-to-find ingredients—such as Thai basil, kaffir lime, lemongrass, and even galangal, a root related to ginger—are grown by my husband and me on a small farm at our home. This ensures that none of the authentic flavors are ever compromised.
Now, I have been running the business for a year and a half, and the response has far exceeded my expectations. Customers love the authentic Thai flavors I create, and many of them have brought their families, friends, and others close to them to try my food. Without a doubt, they enjoy it because it reminds them of the flavors they experienced during their travels to Thailand.
Very soon, I will be opening a new location in Farmington, Michigan. This new location will be established as the first upscale Thai restaurant in the state. The new location will be called Grand Thai Princess Farmington, marking the next step in our commitment to authentic Thai fine dining.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It is extremely difficult to find truly authentic Thai ingredients. Because of this challenge, I decided to grow some of the essential herbs and vegetables myself in a small garden at my home. These include holy basil, lemongrass, Thai chilies, as well as easy-to-grow vegetables like green onions and bean sprouts.
For this reason, I can proudly say that the fresh produce used in my restaurant is not only clean and fresh, but also helps preserve the authentic flavors of traditional Thai cuisine.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With my background working in five-star hotels, I’ve had the opportunity to experience a wide variety of fine dining. I’ve brought that experience into my own restaurant by applying it to many details—such as food presentation, the selection of tableware, utensils, and plates, as well as the overall visual appeal of each dish.
One detail that customers particularly love is the way we serve rice in heart and star shapes. This has become a signature of Thai Princess and something that many of our guests remember and appreciate.
Any big plans?
I plan to expand my restaurant to cover the entire Metro Detroit area, with two new branches set to open soon in Farmington and Commerce Township.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thaiprincessbloomfield.com
- Instagram: Thaiprincessbloomfield
- Facebook: Thai Princess Bloomfield
