CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – America is the land of opportunity, and Pimpar “Duke” Miller is a prime example of what hard work and dedication to your craft can accomplish.
“I’ve retired three times, and it didn’t work out,” Duke told Clarksville Now, ahead of the grand opening of Duke’s Thai Food in a new location at 2400 Madison St., Suite 10.
Duke came to the United States at the age of 15 with only $5 in her pocket. Working non-stop through high school, she eventually started her own business, first in an airport and then in downtown Clarksville.
If you’ve lived in or around the city for a while, you may remember Duke’s Diner on Kraft Street, where it featured Thai and American food. That restaurant closed in May 2015, when Duke moved to Titusville, Florida, to retire — or at least, she thought. It wasn’t long before she decided to start another restaurant.
Now, after several years of operation in the Sunshine State, Duke has returned to Clarksville, bringing her recipes with her. She said she moved back to be closer to family, who will help run the new business.
“It’s so thrilling to see everybody wants you back,” she said, noting that it’s been amazing to see how many people have missed her food over the years.
Duke’s will be serving the same items they did nearly a decade ago, with a menu that features Thai favorites like pad Thai, curries, papaya salad and spring rolls. Additionally, they will still serve up American cuisine such as burgers, fried fish, chicken tenders and fries.
Management has asked that patrons please be patient as they are short-staffed. With that, the restaurant is hiring for daytime help, and interested individuals can stop by to pick up an application.
Duke’s Thai Food will open to the public on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. and will be open for dine-in with limited seating, carryout and delivery via DoorDash from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
To learn more about Duke’s or what’s on the full menu, call 931-378-5169 or stop by the location on Madison Street. You can also stay up to date with the latest information from Duke’s by visiting the Duke’s Thai Food Facebook page.
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