About

In 1978, seven-year-old Souphab Daoheang, along with his fourteen-year-old sister and parents, Leuth and Sing, fled communist-controlled Laos in a small fishing dinghy, carrying just a single bag of belongings. After two days of navigating through the dense jungle, the family arrived at a refugee camp in Thailand. Supported by the United Nations and Goodwill, they spent the next ten months living in a large gymnasium alongside other refugee families. From there, they were transferred to another camp in the Philippines, where they stayed for an additional nine months.

It was during this time they received life-changing news: Crews United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, had responded to a plea from World Church Services, offering to sponsor their resettlement. In October 1980, the Daoheang family arrived in North Carolina and settled temporarily in a motel. Soon after, a church member informed them of a house just half a mile from the church, which they rented and eventually purchased three years later. Souphab and his mother continue to live in the house and maintain their membership in the church that sponsored their move to America. 

Souphab’s upbringing was shaped by his parents’ determination and hard work. Each day began at 4 a.m. for his mother, who once imported and exported goods between Laos’ cities and villages, and his father, a former ice cream factory owner. Inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit, Souphab launched his first business venture by selling Now and Later candies to his schoolmates during recess.

After graduating from Reynolds High School, Souphab earned a degree in business from High Point University in 1994. His career took him to Kinko’s as a corporate trainer and then to the city of Winston-Salem, where he worked in job development. In 2001, driven by his passion for travel and exploration, he left his position and spent two years traveling. By 2003, he was ready to pursue his dream and opened his first restaurant, Downtown Thai, in Winston-Salem. In 2009, he expanded his culinary ventures by launching Soup’s, a Vietnamese restaurant just across the street.

Today, Souphab Daoheang brings his love for Thai cuisine and culture to Davie County. At his restaurant, diners can enjoy an authentic and diverse menu featuring traditional Thai dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. Whether it’s the aromatic warmth of Tom Yum soup or the delicate harmony of flavors in Pad Thai, each dish is a vibrant celebration of Thailand’s culinary heritage. Prepared with time-honored recipes and a passion for excellence, every meal promises a memorable dining experience.