Lisa Her premiered Erb Thai in July 2010.  The then 28-year-old opened the business on the corner of Wealthy Street and Diamond Avenue in Grand Rapids, MI. Baxter Neighborhood fit perfectly with Lisa’s image for restaurant since the neighborhood was modern and urban, just as she had envisioned.

Although Lisa’s not Thai, she’s always had a strong interest in Thai cuisine. Being Hmong, Lisa learned to cook at an early age as part of cultural traditions. Since most Hmong people originated from Laos, which borders Thailand, Lisa’s family gained the knowledge of Thai cuisine.

Lisa’s parents opened and ran several businesses while she was growing up including restaurants, bars and banquet halls. Because of this, Lisa began learning about the restaurant business at just nine years old.

She then gained experience in customer service while working as a waitress at her family-owned restaurant in Sterling Heights, MI. Realizing that she had the knowledge and experience, Lisa began researching and planning to open her own restaurant.

Lisa knew she wanted to provide traditional Thai food while catering to specific dietary needs like gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and other options. Opportunity opened at her doors when her friend discovered and recommended the vacant spot at 950 Wealthy Street S.E., Grand Rapids, MI.