Thai restaurant Bo Rarn to open in former Pranzo site

A Thai restaurant mixing old with new will open in the site of an old city favourite – months after the Italian dining institution closed its doors for the final time.

A Thai restaurant that puts a modern touch on old styles of cooking will open next month at the former Pranzo site in the CBD.

Business partners Geng Sapphachai, Tatsanai Suwannarat and Phudisanat Ratanatilaka Na Bhuket have joined forces in their first venture together – Bo Rarn – which translates to ‘ancient’.

Mr Sapphachai, who has previously run Wokinabox and Noodle Box franchises in Glenelg and Woodcroft, said the restaurant would introduce something new to Adelaide’s dining scene, and would breathe new life into the Exchange Place site which has remained vacant since Pranzo closed its doors for the final time in May.

Business partners Phudisanat Ratanatilaka Na Bhuket, Tatsanai Suwannarat and Geng Sapphachai with Thai artist Pechsing Somnus inside the former Pranzo site. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“I always have dreamed to have my own brand and it’s the time to do it,” he said.

“The concept’s going to be tradition synchronised with modern - we’re going to keep the technique of the ancient styles of Thai food but we’re going to present it in a contemporary way.

“The flavours are going to be really concentrated and we’re going to get the customer to explore the taste that they would have in Thailand. I think that’s hard to find in Adelaide.”

A revamp of the premises is currently under way, and will include traditional Thai artwork designed by renowned Thai artist Pechsing Somnus, who’s flown in to help with the interior fit-out.

46 Exchange Place, Adelaide where Bo Rarn will set up shop. Picture: Supplied

Business partners Phudisanat Ratanatilaka Na Bhuket, Tatsanai Suwannarat and Geng Sapphachai with Thai artist Pechsing Somnus inside the former Pranzo site. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Mr Suwannarat and Mr Bhuket will take charge in the kitchen after careers in hospitality that have seen them work in cafes and restaurants across Sydney and Adelaide.

Pranzo closed its doors in May, three months after a refurbishment and reopening by new owners.

The venue was a favourite of the city’s movers and shakers, with politicians and business leaders regularly spotted dining inside or sipping coffees al fresco on Exchange Place.

Mr Sapphachai said he was familiar with the history of Pranzo, and hoped Bo Rarn would also become a favourite of diners in the coming years.

“Pranzo used to be really popular, and I think it’s a really good location - that’s why we’re going in there,” he said.

“We’re going to make it really attractive.”