About


       We are pleased to be a part of the community and to offer our brand of 
authentic Thai cuisine to our most respected guests.  I would like to share
some information with you that will offer some insight about me, my family,
and background of how Chalit's Thai Bistro came to be in the fall of 2009.

       I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand.  Both my parents work 
for Saint John's College as a cook-that's where they met.  My dad retired 
many years ago, but my mom is still working and enjoying her work taking 
care of cooking for the owner of the school's family.  I was very fortunate 
to get a scholarship from Acharn Samai Chinnapha, the owner of the 
school, to sponsor my education.  I attended school at Saint John's from 
kindergarten through high school (Saint John's College of Commerce) 
then transferred to Assumption University for a Bachelor's Degree in 
Marketing.  Upon graduation, I returned to Saint John's, as a Purchasing 
Manager.

       It was always my dream to be able to study abroad, but many times, 
plans had to be postponed, due to many circumstances.  At last my journey 
began when I moved to Los  Angeles in August 1999, to finish my masters' 
degree.  While completing my masters' degree, I had the opportunity to 
work in many great Thai Restaurants in Los  Angeles.  I held various 
positions and made so many great friends and created lots of wonderful 
memories.  I enjoyed and cherished all those times, and I gained a lot 
of insight into food  and the many aspects of the food service business.   

         After graduation, I joined Morgan Stanley, a fortune 500 investment 
company, as a Financial Advisor.  I thought it was the dream job that 
I had  hoped for since I was a kid, to be in the financial industry.  I learned 
so much about Investment banking,  and after one year with the firm, I came 
to realize that it was not the career path for me.  I resigned from Morgan 
Stanley and spent most of my time searching for my passion career path. 
It wasn't until Jim (my partner of 10 years) had the job opportunity to 
relocate to Harrisburg, PA with his employer, did the real journey begin.

        I have never lived anywhere else but Los  Angeles since I moved to 
U.S.A. At first,  it was a real shock,  leaving the hustle and bustle of  
Los  Angeles,  but I quickly fell in love with the Harrisburg area.  What a 
wonderful environment, friendly people, and a quality of life.
		
         During this transition period, I realized I had developed a passion for
cooking.  Many times I would prepare Thai dishes,  add some of my family's 
spicy recipes, and would share with our friends and neighbors.  I loved 
their response to my efforts and soon realized that I too enjoyed the 
pleasure enough to begin the venture of opening a Thai Bistro, something I 
would have never thought of in my wildest dreams.  The whole process was 
like a dream, the various stages, and learning, but with many hours of 
sweat, tears and fear, I was able to start my first business.

       I couldn't have accomplished my dream without the help and guidance
from some dear people that I would like to introduce you too:

*      My parents - who demonstrated that integrity, hard work, caring 
       and love, are truly the foundation of a person.
*     The Chinnapha's family, they are like my second family, helping 
       to shape my life, affording me the education and offering me the 
       opportunity to a better life.  I am forever grateful.
*     My partner Jim, who has been there for me through ups and downs 
       and lead me to Harrisburg where my life and career started again, 
       as I was able to discover my passion.
*     My many friends, whom I shared my experiences, laughter, and tears.  
       Thank you for being such a big part of my life.
*     Momentum Fitness - Joe and Leighann, who gave me the once in a 
       life time opportunity to start my first  business.  I will always be 
      grateful.
*    My staff - I am so thankful and privileged to have so many talented 
      and dedicated staff to round out the business.  I love, respect and 
      enjoy  working with all of them.  Thank you so much for being a part 
      of my dream.  
		
      Thank you for sharing a moment with me and "thank you" so much 
for your business.  You will always have my promise that I will do my best 
to continue serving the freshest, most delicious Thai food for the greater 
Harrisburg community.

                                                    Kob Khun krub (Thank you very much)

			          			Chris Kijcharoen