Amid the continuous expansion of coffee giant Starbucks in Rogers Park, a staple of Cambodian cuisine has been shaken but is stirring back to life. Khmai Cambodian Fine Dining, a highly regarded establishment in the area, temporarily closed due to the construction activities of a new Starbucks which is set up next door. This Starbucks will be located at 6576 N. Sheridan Road and will mark the fourth outlet within a half-mile stretch of the bustling Sheridan Road, joining other Starbucks at 6738 N. Sheridan Road, 6350 N. Sheridan Road, and inside the local Target. Despite the construction, surrounding Starbucks locations continue operating as usual, and Starbucks did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding its latest venture, as reported by Block Club Chicago.
Khmai's owner and chef, Mona Sang, announced the temporary closure via a social media video after just two months of reopening in a new location, promising concerted efforts to welcome patrons once again, "We are working really, really hard to try to reopen as soon as possible to welcome you guys back and serve you guys really delicious food," she stated. Displaced since August 14, there remains uncertainty surrounding the restaurant’s reopening date, though Sang assuredly thanks customers for their supportive outreaches and vows a determined return, as per Block Club Chicago.
Meanwhile, there's a silver lining on the horizon for Khmai and its fans. Four months after revealing relocation plans, chef Mona Sang has announced that Khmai will serve not only their signature dinner offerings but also breakfast options at its soon-to-be-unveiled site at 6580 N. Sheridan Road. This reimagined space, just steps away from Loyola University, will also be close to a diverse, potentially novel clientele including students, professors, and hotel guests. The move signifies a fresh chapter for Sang's exceptional Cambodian fare, which previously garnered national acclaim and local culinary awards. In a space previously occupied by Onward Chicago, Sang is gearing up to feature dishes that encourage customer interaction and exotic flavors, like the smash-your-own papaya salad, according to Eater Chicago.
The story of Khmai is intertwined with the resilience of Sang's family, particularly her mother Sarom Sieng, a survivor of the Cambodian genocide and a beacon of traditional cuisine. Sang’s efforts, alongside fellow Cambodian Americans, aim to underscore the significance of Cambodian culture and history. "My focus is still wanting to share my mom’s story because I think her story is important — what she went through, how she’s a huge survivor," Sang told Eater Chicago.
