Once a mechanical engineer, Kevin left his career to follow his passion for food and hospitality. In 2005, he opened altThai with his wife, who had just completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and his brother, a retired software engineer.  Together, they brought the charm of their Northern Thai heritage to downtown Arlington Heights through glowing lanterns, chandeliers made from golden Bodhi leaves, Buddha statues, and timeless artifacts that reflect the heritage and beauty of traditional Thai culture.