Upscale Thai restaurant Sway is expanding to two new Austin-area locations, and managers said they hope to carry over the high service standards, communal atmosphere and modern flair that characterize the South First Street establishment.
Sway opened in 2012 with a mission to provide fresh, high-quality Thai cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features traditional and innovative dishes seasoned with herbs from the restaurant garden, made-to-order curries, oysters, housemade sodas and other unique offerings that Executive Chef Martin Wilda said sets the restaurant apart from other Asian-inspired eateries.
“There are so many new restaurants opening in Austin, and we’ve maintained our level of popularity by re-creating modern Thai food with fresh ingredients,” Wilda said. “Everything is made in-house on a daily basis.”
Nestled in a cluster of diverse restaurants and food trucks on South First Street, Sway’s secluded outdoor patio, communal dining tables and high hospitality standards provide a quality dining experience in a warm and welcoming environment, General Manager Peter D’Souza said.
“Restaurants are high-energy, considered high-volume. … There’s a lot of intensity,” D’Souza said. “What we try to create for our guests, but it starts from our staff, is unity and respect amongst the entire crew. Whenever someone walks in the doors, they know they’re part of a bigger setting.”
Sway’s second location is scheduled to open in the Rock Rose district of The Domain in 2017, and a third location is planned for Westlake, D’Souza said. The new restaurants will maintain the same commitment to service, quality and locally sourced ingredients. They will also offer full bar service in addition to the sake, wine and beer options available at the South First Street location.
The restaurant’s original location went through its own expansion earlier this year with the addition of a brunch menu featuring such dishes as dumplings and Thai Chicken and Waffles.
“We took the Thai flavors and built them into a brunch setting; it’s comfort food for people whether it’s brunch or dinner,” Wilda said.
Sway also launched a new group tasting menu June 1 with seasonal dishes such as mango salad, poached prawn and red curry glazed pork ribs.