Thai Market, located at 902 Thayer Avenue in Downtown Silver Spring, has closed. (David Lay/Source of the Spring)
We previously reported that Thai Market would be closing at the end of June, ending a 35+ year run. Their last day of business was June 28, with their lease ending June 30.
It also appears that the adjoining restaurant is closed for remodeling, according to a sign in the door.
Owner Ken Gosak took over the store in 1997. He is the third owner of the market, which originally opened about 35 years ago, he said.
The market specialized in a wide variety of Thai foods and other imported products, as well as offering a limited menu, which can be eaten in-store or carried out.
Gosak cited several reasons for the decision to close when we spoke with him last May.
“First of all, they don’t have the parking,” he said. “Since last September, there was no parking in the back, so people complain and we can’t do anything. Sales keep dropping and dropping.”
The market sits next to a major project that’s underway to build Studio Plaza, a mixed-use development with plans for about 400 apartments as well as retail. The site was a surface parking lot owned by the county.
He also said that the owners of the building, while they would be happy to see him stay, want to increase his rent.
“So I decided not to do anything,” Gosak said. “I’m seeing the business [drop and] I can’t take it anymore.”
Changing demographics has also affected his sales. Gosak said he doesn’t see as many Asians as he used to, noting that other specialty markets featuring products from other Asian countries have opened over the years.