Patrick Nett talks about Simply Thai, plans for more Springfield restaurants

If you drive down Campbell Avenue, you've probably seen the sign in front of the former Smith's Restaurant, 2808 S. Campbell Ave., announcing the building's new tenant, Simply Thai. The News-Leader sat down with owner Patrick Nett to find out more about Simply Thai and Nett Restaurant Group's future plans.

What is Simply Thai? Is it different from Thai Express?

The name Thai Express is already trademarked by a Canadian company, so in order for Nett to open more locations of his restaurant, the name had to change.

"When you see a second, or third or fourth or fifth, Simply Thai," it's just Thai Express rebranded, Nett said.

Nett is in the process of trademarking "SIMPLY THAI." According to the Trademark Status and Document Retrieval database, the trademark was submitted in October 2022 and in the process of examined by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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Will there be differences between Simply Thai and Thai Express?

Not really, according to Nett. Simply Thai on Campbell Avenue will be the same fast-casual model as Thai Express. Nett is in the process of adding a drive-thru to the old Smith's restaurant. At the same time, he's also redoing the menu for both locations.

"We have a new final menu that's going to be released in a month or so that's also going to be implemented at Thai Express," Nett said.

What's this about a new menu?

Yes, but fans of the original Thai Express menu need not fear.

"The only difference with Thai Express — we're trying to keep that location unique since it's our first store — we're going to keep a lot of the menu items we're not going to carry (going) forward at (Simply Thai locations)," Nett said. "That will be the only store that's branded and labeled as Thai Express, and it'll have some original stuff there that you won't find at the other Simply Thai locations."

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When is the Simply Thai location on Campbell Avenue opening?

Nett aims to open by late September.

Is Simply Thai in Springfield associated with Simply Thai in Florissant?

No, that restaurant is owned by a Kolson LLC, a St. Louis company. Simply Thai in Springfield is owned by the Nett Restaurant Group.

Are there plans for more Simply Thai locations?

Nett says he's keeping an eye out for a third location. Additionally, with Nett Restaurant Group, he wants to open other restaurants, focused on different cuisines, a couple years down the road.

"I have family that have restaurants in different states and I have plans to learn from them and open other types of restaurants here in Springfield," Nett said. "I just need to get my base started first and learn how to operate at a multi-store level."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield Simply Thai owner talks about new restaurant, future plans