Thai-Italian Fusion Eatery Coming To Ardmore, Where The Family's Restaurant Success Began

ARDMORE, PA — A family-owned restaurant group with establishments throughout the Main Line is bringing a new establishment to Ardmore, where it all began.

WIN Hospitality's Blue Elephant — an Italian-Thai fusion restaurant with Japanese influences — will open a third location in Ardmore. It will occupy a portion of Mikado Thai Pepper on Lancaster Avenue, where the family that owns WIN Hospitality began their local powerhouse for Asian cuisine.

Sutida Somboonsong opened Thai Pepper in Ardmore in 1991, while her husband Win was serving in the U.S. Navy. In 1999, the couple opened Mikado next door, later breaking down the walls to combine both restaurants, which remain a local staple for Thai and Japanese cuisine.

In the ensuing decades, WIN Hospitality's portfolio grew to include Teikoku in Newtown Square, Azie in Media, and Maison Lotus and Jade Rabbit — both in Wayne.

Blue Elephant's concept was developed by Pearl Somboonsong Murphy — the founding couple's daughter, who now leads WIN Hospitality with her brother, Paul Somboonsong.

First opening in Pottstown in 2018, Blue Elephant blends Italian, Thai and Japanese influences — from sushi rolls to pasta with Thai seasonings, such as miso butter gnocchi. Blue Elephant has a second location in Wayne.

Blue Elephant Ardmore is expected to open in November at 64-66 E Lancaster Ave. An opening date hasn't been announced.

The future restaurant was first reported by Philadelphia Business Journal.