New Thai restaurant spices up Whitefish

Newly opened BANG BANG Thai brings the bang with its spicy culinary takes and old Western inspired decor. Designed to blend Asian notes with ski-town vibes, its fusion is unique to Whitefish.  

“We are very lucky to have the incredible food scene we do in Whitefish, and I thought it was time to add a little spice. Fusing the foundation of Thai cuisine with the unique flavors and ingredients of mountain living was the goal,” said Sam Dauenhauer, local entrepreneur and restaurateur. 

Dauenhauer grew up halfway between Whitefish and Kalispell and has a passion for filling culinary niches in the valley, having also helped start Sweet Peaks Ice Cream and Wild Coffee Company.  

“Look, I’m a white guy in Montana and there’s no getting around that. But what I can do is work with some great local purveyors to source local ingredients whenever possible,” Dauenhauer said.  

Thai basil elk, crispy gai and a bison massaman curry are a few Montana inspired highlights on BANG BANG’s menu.  

It took the better part of a year to concept the space and put a team together to execute this project. 

“Surrounding yourself with people that work hard and believe in the idea is key. I’ve learned that the hard way a time or two over the years. I’m very lucky to have the partnerships I do on this one,” Dauenhauer said.  

When it comes to dining, Dauenhauer sees himself as an artist. He created some of the art pieces and installations, alongside vintage ski posters and items gathered from travels near and far. 

He believes that you need three ingredients to succeed in brick-and-mortar Main Street business: Service, quality and atmosphere. 

“The first two are non-negotiable and without them you will eventually fail,” he said, “and the latter is the cherry on top. If you can also create the atmosphere and the good vibes, you have a pretty great shot at it. 

“I aimed to create a warm place to gather, relax, celebrate, share and simply enjoy a good meal,” Dauenhauer said.  

BANG BANG is at 12 Spokane Ave., in downtown Whitefish. It is open Wednesday to Sunday during the winter season and offers dine-in, takeout, delivery and happy hours.

    Drunken noodles at Bang Bang Thai. (Photo by Jenna Flare)
  

    BANG BANG Thai interior. (Photo by Jenna Flare)
  

    Decorations in Bang Bang Thai. (Photo by Jenna Flare)