New Choun's restaurant offers Thai, American cuisine in downtown Wheaton

WHEATON – Retirement for restaurant owner Chounphit Hatsady Jackels didn't last long.

After closing her Pad Thai Etc. restaurant in Wheaton in 2014, Jackels in late May opened her latest restaurant, Choun's, at 226 W. Front St. in downtown Wheaton. She had owned Pad Thai for 12 years in addition to owning a couple other restaurants.

She also has been a regular participant in Wheaton's French Market for 20 years, so her food is well-known in the Wheaton area.

"My husband wanted me to rest," said Jackels, a longtime Wheaton resident. "But I love cooking. It makes me feel good seeing people enjoying my food."

There will be a grand opening for Choun's from 3 to 5 p.m. June 29. As part of the grand opening activities, there will be a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. During the grand opening, the restaurant will offer snacks and refreshments along with food and drink specials.

Along with Thai cuisine such as Pad Thai and panang curry – her signature noodle is Pad Thai – Choun's serves American fare like burgers, sandwiches and subs. Jackels said she wanted to give customers options.

"If a husband and wife come in and one person doesn't like Asian food, they have a choice," she said.

She also prides herself on the fact that she only uses fresh ingredients, with some of those ingredients coming from local farms.

"Our food also is 90-percent gluten free," Jackels said. "We make our own sauces. All our sauces come from my own recipes. There is nothing from a bottle. We also don't use food coloring."

Jackels also will customize the restaurant's dishes to meet the customer's needs.

Austin's BBQ formerly occupied the space that Choun's now calls home. In seeking to create a comfortable yet elegant looking restaurant, Jackels completely renovated the space.

Jackels and her husband, building owner and local businessman Lee Jackels, worked closely with Ron LaPage, Tracy Templin and Susan Lonnett from LaPage Architects, and her general contractor, Sein Reinke of Innovative Concepts, to develop several custom interior features.

One of those features is a 5-foot-diameter bamboo ceiling fixture designed and constructed by local craftsman Al Huizenga. The decor also features salvaged barn wood and sleek, modern lighting.

"I wanted the restaurant to feel different from anything else you'll find in Wheaton," Chounphit Hatsady Jackels said.

Choun's has a full bar with 10 beer taps along with a wide variety of bottled beer, wine and specialty cocktails. The restaurant also has a party room that can be rented out for special occasions.

The restaurant also does carry-out as well as catering. More information is available by visiting chouns.com or calling the restaurant at 630-868-3303.