Vientiane’s iconic Khop Chai Deu restaurant celebrated its 20 year anniversary on 19 July, with more than 400 guests and old friends gathering to raise a glass to its founder Inthy Deuansavanh, who went on to establish the Inthira Group.
The story of “The Place Where the World Meets” began 20 years ago, when Inthy saw the need to transform his colonial-style family house, near Nam Phou Fountain, into a restaurant, one of a few catering to tourists at the time. He opened the doors on July, 19th 1998 during the first Visit Laos Year.
The eatery morphed into a place that united locals, expats and tourists, and quickly became a must-visit hot spot for people wanting to enjoy the new Vientiane nightlife.
Over the years, Khop Chai Deu has changed its design more than five times, constantly reinventing itself to stay abreast of guests’ wishes and trends. Today, the original 30-seat barbecue restaurant now caters to more than 300 guests a day.
Khop Chai Deu went on to become the cornerstone of the Inthira Group, which includes Inthira Hotels, and the Samba Xayoh and Suntara restaurants.
Inthira used the 20th year anniversary to launch Khop Chai Deu’s new, much larger room to present live music every night, and during the celebration, several bands rocked the restaurant.
Kamala, a band that used to play at Khop Chai Deu when their singer was 12 years old, hit the stage, along with local celebrities Aluna Thavonsouk and Alexandra Bounxouei. Popular Thai singer, Tik Shero, closed the special night.
More than a business, Khop Chai Deu has demonstrated itself as a pillar of the local community, by supporting the Lao Red Cross for more than 10 years, and by providing professional training and education to local youth.
Because the restaurant wanted this event to be more meaningful, they raised funds to renovate the school at Ban Nong Yai village in Sayabouly Province, the hometown of one of the restaurant’s senior employees. The aim is to keep its 35 children safe and dry, and allow them to study in better conditions.
Every donor entered a special lucky draw for a chance to win prizes, such as two nights in luxurious hotels and flights. The effort raised more than $10,000 for the school and students’ materials.
Inthira plans to take Khop Chai Deu to the next level over the next 20 years, to become a national brand, while continuing to participate in the country’s development.
The restaurant would like to give a special thanks to its sponsors who supportes an unforgettable party
and helped raise funds for the Ban Nong Yai School: Johnny Walker, Bangkok Airways, Beerlao, Coca-Cola, Green Discovery Laos, Heineken, Indochina Bank, Lao Telecom, Lao Toyota Service, the Muang La Lodge, The Rashmis Plaza, Revlon, Sanctuary Hotels, Sengdara Fitness, and Thai Airways.
