A new sandwich shop is set to open in Edgewater, filling a previously vacant storefront at 1124 W. Thorndale Ave., near the Thorndale Red Line station. Zenwich, which already operates a location in Elmhurst, will bring its Asian-inspired menu to Chicago’s Far North Side.
Owner Chai Ploentham said that the menu features sandwiches with fillings such as Thai barbecue pork belly, Sichuan spicy chicken, and Taiwanese braised pork served on ciabatta bread. Prices for these items range from $13.50 to $15. Customers can also choose to have their sandwiches made as rice-paper wraps or red quinoa bowls at no extra charge. The restaurant offers pescatarian and vegan options like spicy garlic shrimp and crispy vegan tempura patties.
“Everything here is made to order,” Ploentham said. He explained that by keeping the menu minimal, he can focus on quality for each item.
Ploentham expects Zenwich Edgewater to open in mid-February.
Originally from Thailand, Ploentham has nearly two decades of experience running restaurants. He previously owned a sushi restaurant in St. Louis and took over Zenwich’s Elmhurst store from its original owners in 2018. He expanded the brand into River West, Wicker Park, and Aurora before closing all but the Elmhurst location during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ploentham expressed enthusiasm about opening in Edgewater: “I hope Edgewater likes the store,” he said.
