WALNUT CREEK, CALIFORNIA – When Kacha Thai in Walnut Creek announced that it would close down in late February, we were initially optimistic.
The restaurant’s own website said the closure was temporary, and that they hoped to reopen soon.
The team said that the closure was due to “circumstances beyond our control.” That’s often code for “our water heater exploded” or “a pipe burst and everything is flooded.”
Those are recoverable issues. So again, there was still hope.
Now, though, we have a final status for Kacha Thai. I stopped by yesterday, and found this notice taped to the front door:
There’s no ambiguity there at all. The note reads “Kacha Thai Bistro is now permanently closed.”
The note goes on to say “Thank you for every meal shared, every celebration and every moment of support. Serving you has been an honor and a joy we will always cherish. From the bottom of our hearts — thank you.”
It’s sad to see the permanent closure of this local gem. As I shared in our previous coverage, my family had a tradition of ordering Kacha Thai for New Year’s Eve each year.
And I always enjoyed eating at the restaurant and ordering their soups, yellow curry, and fried rice served in a pineapple.
Kacha was a big restaurant, though, and it must have been tough to keep it filled and running profitably. Although Kacha gave no specific reason for the closure, lots of larger legacy restaurants in WC have struggled.
The good news for Thai food fans is that Torsap Thai is still open just down the block. And there are plenty of smaller, lower key thai places nearby. Our readers consistently recommend Andaman Thai at 1560 Newell as a solid alternative.
The other potentially positive story here is that when a major restaurant in Walnut Creek closes, another one often comes in to fill its place.
Stanford’s became Original Joes, for example, and Walnut Creek Yacht Club is on its way to transforming into something new, too.
It’s likely that once the dust settles, the same will happen with Kacha’s spot. We’ll keep a close eye on it and let you know if a new restaurant is planned. Make sure to join my free 925 News newsletter so I can keep you updated.
