By Randy Arrington
LURAY, May 3 — Opening locally in the spring of 2023, Asian Station recently marked one year in Downtown Luray with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce on Friday morning.
“This celebration marks a significant milestone for Asian Station, a hub of flavor, culture and community in our beloved Town of Luray,” reads a Chamber notice announcing the May 3 ribbon cutting. “Over the past year, Asian Station has become a beacon of culinary excellence and a gathering place for diverse experiences, enriching our community in countless ways.”
A few dozen friends and supporters gathered on Friday morning at 113 East Main Street to celebrate the local eatery’s anniversary and the continued use of a building that once served as a “reel house” for the first firefighters in Luray more than a century ago.
“We’ve had a great relationship from the start,” Luray Councilman Jason Pettit said of the new owners. Pettit remodeled the building and operated the eatery “Baby Moons” for several years prior to Asian Station arriving. “I’m so happy with what you’ve done here…you know my love for saving this old building, and to see what you’ve done…that means a lot to me, it makes it really special to me.”
Additional seating, a fire pit, and a painted mural have all been added to the outdoor atmosphere of the small, red building sitting along the railroad tracks across from the fire hall.
“You did a beautiful job from where Jason started,” LDI board chairman Paula Kibler said on Friday. “And with all the additions outside, you’ve just done a beautiful job.”
The cozy interior remains similar to its “Baby Moon” days, including old photos and signs.
“It’s a wonderful time to be mayor because we have so many ribbon cuttings,” Mayor Jerry Dofflemyer said on Friday. “It’s great to have you here… I have been here and the food is wonderful. We look forward to having you here many more years.”
Nat Srisiriwongichai, her brother JayJay, and mother Jutarat Sattayapanichkul, previously operated an eatery called “Try Thai” in Front Royal from 2018 to 2023. Of both Chinese and Thailand descent, they moved to the U.S. from Thailand more than a decade ago when JayJay was attending art school in Savannah, Ga.
Nat and her mother attended a “Lunch-and-Learn” session hosted by the Chamber more than a year ago and heard about business opportunities in Page County. Then they met with former Town Manager Steve Burke, who they knew from his time as Front Royal’s manager, and Jackie Wood with Luray Downtown Initiative. They talked about the future of Luray.
“There are people that come into your life and become special, and I feel that way about Nat and her mother,” Wood said. “I remember when they came and talked to me about becoming part of our beloved downtown. We worked well together, and I remember at the soft opening…they were overwhelmed, and I said ‘I told you’… I am so proud of you being an investor in our downtown.”
In addition to Asian Station, the family has also purchased the Liberty Tax building downtown across from West Main Market. As they celebrated a ribbon cutting on Friday in front of local officials and supporters, Nat translated her mother’s words indicating she had “goosebumps” and felt like crying due to the community’s support.
“Everyone seems like family in Luray,” Nat told the crowd. “This is a very beautiful town and it feels like home here.”
Those who attended Friday’s ribbon cutting were treated to a variety of Asian dishes that went quickly.
“Our tourists who come here really enjoy your offerings and we’re thrilled you’re here because you have really good food,” said Clancey Arnold, Membership Development & Investment Administrator for the Chamber.
Asian Station rates an average 4.8 stars among its 319 Google reviews, and drew online comments like — “Lovely ambiance, friendly staff, and a nice selection of beers and food,” and “Cute restaurant including the outdoor seating, very kind customer service!”, and “Asian Station is the ‘Awesome’ place to go in Luray! Local farms to table, Draft Beers, #Sushi, Outdoor Seatings and more!”
The local eatery is getting widely know for its authentic cuisine and unique atmosphere.
“Every day we try our best and we hope you enjoy our food,” said Nat. “We want people to talk about Asian Station and to talk about [Luray]. That’s our goal… I love this place.”
Asian Station at 113 E. Main St., Luray, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Wednesdays (closed) and Sundays (opens at noon). Call them at 540-244-2399 or visit their website at https://insmeal.com/AsianStation
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