Proprietors, Lay & Lily were married in 1997, in Georgia at the ages of 26 & 24. Soon after, in 1998, they moved to the Clearwater/Largo area and opened the Thai Basil East Bay Restaurant on East Bay Road. They began serving and pleasing guests with truly unique, authentic Thai cuisine. Their relocation and successful new restaurant were soon followed by the arrival of their first daughter, Virginia, in 1999.

Food reviews and publications across the Tampabay area have raved about both Thai Basil Restaurants for years. In 1999 & 2000 Thai Basil received numerous reviews for best Thai Restaurant in the area from Weekly Planet, St. Petersburg Times and other publications.

After purchasing their first home in 2000 and continuing to please guests at Thai Basil East Bay, they opened their 2nd Restaurant, Thai Basil II on West Bay in 2003. This second location has been equally successful at continually serving an array of delectable menu choices in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. In 2005 they welcomed the arrival of their 2nd child, Savannah.

Lay obtained his Real Estate licens and became a sales associate for Century 21 in 2006. Both Thai Basil Restaurants offer exceptionally tasty authentic Thai cuisine, with specials offered regularly. Thai Basil is also available to cater or host your next social or corporate event.