Wanalee and Adam Gorelick’s aspirations for a restaurant in The Woodlands started in late 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was a risky time to start a business, their first Thai restaurant Charm Bistro, located on Spring Stuebner Road, survived off takeout orders.

“It actually was not a bad time to open up a restaurant, because we only had to worry about getting the food right and had time to figure out customer service later,” Adam said.

A former Spring ISD math teacher, Adam said he and his wife, Wanalee, who originally planned to be a registered nurse, switched gears into the business industry with their first business Noe's Crepes Coffee and Tea and have since opened several restaurants.

In January, the couple expanded to The Woodlands with Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar serving Thai cuisine with a casual upscale concept.
The Lying Buddha ($14.99) is made with lime leaf-infused vodka, fresh lime juice and coconut liqueur. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Lying Buddha ($14.99) is made with lime leaf-infused vodka, fresh lime juice and coconut liqueur. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
What’s special about it?

The Gorelicks said Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar offers authentic Thai cuisine as well as a full dining experience ideal for celebrations.


Although the Gorelicks were initially hesitant on the location because several previous businesses in the building had closed, Adam said 60% of their customers followed them from the original Spring location, and they often have a full house on the weekends.

To ensure authenticity, Wanalee said the restaurant staff is made up of people from Thailand.

As a Thailand native herself, Wanalee said she understands the struggles endured by recent immigrants. In response, the Gorelicks provide recent Thailand migrants who want to work at their restaurants free housing and transportation to support them.

“We focus on supporting and keeping our staff happy because if they are happy, then they can make our customers happy in return,” Wanalee said.
Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar is operated by manager Ann Middleton, a Thailand native and former server for the Gorelicks. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar is operated by managing partner Ann Middleton. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar is operated by managing partner Ann Middleton, a Thailand native and former server for the Gorelicks.


“Ann has been with us since day one and she helped us grow,” Wanalee said. “Without her, it would have been a lot tougher.”

Craving Thai food?

Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar offers authentic Thai food, as well as Thai food with an American twist with menu items such as the Texas Thai barbecue fried rice served with two pieces of ribs.

Menu favorites include pad thai and The Woodlands sampler, featuring cheese rolls, spring rolls, crab wontons, dumplings and served with house made dipping sauces.
The Woodlands Sampler ($15.99) includes cheese rolls, spring rolls, crab wontons, dumplings and served with house made dipping sauces. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
The Woodlands Sampler ($15.99) includes cheese rolls, spring rolls, crab wontons, dumplings and served with house made dipping sauces. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
In addition, the restaurant is known for its cocktail menu with a variety of classic cocktails with a Thai twist. Adam said Charm Thai Kitchen & Bar strives to be the place where people can get quality cocktails with over 100 whiskey brands at a fair price. Popular cocktails include the Tiger Woods made with Thai tea and Roku gin, and the Lying Buddha, made with lime leaf-infused vodka, fresh lime juice and coconut liqueur.


The Gorelicks said they have plans to open their seventh restaurant, Charm Tap House, in November at the former Tapped Drafthouse located in Marcel Town Center.