Gin Khao to Open First Brick-and-Mortar in Bartow

Expanding from food truck to first brick-and-mortar with a May soft opening in Bartow.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end studio still life photograph featuring a clean, monochromatic background with carefully arranged Thai ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and red curry paste, conveying the authentic flavors and premium quality of Gin Khao's cuisine.Gin Khao's new brick-and-mortar restaurant in Bartow will showcase the authentic Thai flavors and ingredients that have made the food truck a local favorite.Bartow Today

Gin Khao, a Thai food truck that has served Polk County for over five years, is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 750 W. Main Street in Bartow, Florida. The new location, targeting a soft opening in May and a broader opening in June, will focus on lunch and takeout service, building on the food truck's existing following.

Why it matters

The expansion from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant represents a significant milestone for Gin Khao, allowing the business to reach a wider audience and provide a more consistent dining experience. The new location's proximity to government offices and local businesses in Bartow also positions the restaurant to capitalize on the area's daytime population and demand for authentic Thai cuisine.

The details

The new Bartow location will have limited seating for about 14 guests, but the main focus will be on fast-casual service with no waitstaff, catering primarily to the lunch crowd and those looking for takeout dinner options. The menu will center on authentic Thai dishes, including pad thai, fried rice, curries, and other specialties, drawing from recipes the owners have used for nearly 20 years in Thailand. Prapapan Klug, a third-generation restaurateur with experience in French and royal Thai cuisine, will lead the culinary efforts.

  • Gin Khao is targeting a soft opening in May 2026.
  • The restaurant is expected to have a full opening around June 2026.

The players

Thomas Klug

Co-owner of Gin Khao.

Prapapan Klug

Co-owner of Gin Khao and a third-generation restaurateur with experience in French and royal Thai cuisine.

Gin Khao

A Thai food truck that has served Polk County, Florida for over five years and is now expanding to open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Bartow.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our primary target with this is the lunch markets.”

— Thomas Klug, Co-owner of Gin Khao

“Usually her dishes will taste now the exact same as you would have tasted 20 years ago.”

— Thomas Klug, Co-owner of Gin Khao

What’s next

Gin Khao is currently working through facility maintenance issues as they finish the new space in Bartow, with the goal of opening the restaurant for a soft launch in May 2026 and a broader opening in June 2026.

The takeaway

The expansion of Gin Khao from a successful food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Bartow represents a significant growth opportunity for the business, allowing it to reach a wider audience and provide a more consistent dining experience while maintaining the authentic Thai flavors that have built its following over the past five years.