The highly anticipated opening of Indochine Express is just days away, according to owner Solange “Niki” Thompson.

If all goes as planned, the satellite restaurant will open sometime within a week. 

Word spread quickly when Indochine Express, 5120 S. College Road, was announced in August, and Thompson said she was amazed by the response.

“I just want to say to the community that I’m so grateful and blessed that they’ve been so kind and generous, and I appreciate the support,” she said.

Thompson said her main restaurant, Indochine off Market Street at 7 Wayne Drive in Wilmington, has remained busy throughout the pandemic. She had been considering a satellite location for some time, and credits the strength of her staff with allowing her to move forward with the plans.

She said she is proud to have been able to create 15 part- and full-time jobs at a time when many are facing unemployment. 

While the menu at the new location contains only about half of Indochine’s original menu offerings, there are still well over 30 items to choose from, many of them customizable with a choice of chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, tofu or vegetables.

Thompson said it was challenging to narrow down the selections because she wants to please all of her customers. 

She’s included several appetizers, soups and salads, as well as favorites such as the imperial pineapple rice, Pad Thai, Pad Ki Mao, Hokkien Hot Noodles and yellow, red and green curry -- one of Thompson’s personal favorites. 

Thompson said that many of her customers are creatures of habit who tend to order the same dishes over and over again. She said she understands their desire for these foods they find familiar and comforting, and notes that some of them have been ordering the same dishes for 20 years.

Providing a consistent product is something she and executive chef Ivan Rangel pride themselves on. Rangel will oversee both locations, as will general manager Kathy Long and banquet manager Marie Bartsch.

Thompson said many of her veteran staff will be onsite initially to make sure everything is up and running smoothly.

For those who may be looking to try something new, Thompson suggests the Vietnamese Pho, Bun Bo Hu or Tom Yum soups as perfect choices for the colder months.

“These hearty soups are each a meal in themselves,” Thompson said.

Indochine Express will have seating for about 12 guests under the current guidelines, and will have four phone lines as well as online ordering in place to handle carryout orders.

Thompson said she does anticipate a wait of an hour or more at peak times, at least initially. Therefore, customers are encouraged to place orders outside of peak lunch and dinner hours for faster service.

Curbside pickup will be available as well as delivery via Takeout Central. 

Indochine Express is in the former Chop’s Deli location off South College Road, just opposite of Wal-Mart in Monkey Junction.

Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Follow the restaurant's Facebook page for more information.

Have a tip for Restaurant Roundup? Email us at: [email protected].