This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Running a restaurant was never something Toukata Suyoto pictured herself doing. However, after a friend found herself in a financial bind because her restaurant wasn't doing well, Toukata decided to purchase and revamp the business, in partnership with her husband and mother.

After a three-week renovation during December 2007, Riverside Thai Express opened its doors in January 2008. A grand opening was held Jan. 8, and Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore Jr. and other city officials attended the event.

The Cottonwood Heights eatery offers an entire selection of Thai entrŽes and appetizers including curries, soup and Thai iced tea and coffee. The restaurant is designed as an express stop to cater to business diners looking for a quick and tasty lunch. In addition to the selection of entrŽes, Riverside also has a full buffet. Diners can choose from several different levels of spiciness on a dish.

The most popular entrŽe is Spicy Basil, a mix of basil, garlic, onions, chili peppers and the option of four different types of meat - shrimp, beef, pork or chicken. All entrŽes are served with steamed rice. Summer rolls — rice paper wrapped in shredded lettuce with rice, noodles and shrimp, and served with peanut sauce — are a popular appetizer.

Express Chinese food restaurants are fairly common but not many serve Thai cuisine. With an experienced cook from Thailand, who has over six years of experience, Toukata feels the restaurant will do well. And there are not many other Thai restaurants in the area of Cottonwood Heights where the eatery is located.

Riverside Thai Express offers excellent food in a convenient setting for businesspeople, and really anyone who appreciates flavorful Thai cuisine. Toukata hopes to see Riverside continue to grow and become a well-established lunch location, known for its high-quality food.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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