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The pan-Asian restaurant opened in November but lost its interim liquor license in early March after hosting an event for an ASU fraternity. Although frat members 21 and over were issued wrist bands, several underage members failed breathalyzer tests.
Siracha chef-owner Virakon Vongphachanh argued most of the underage drinking took place at a party at the frat house before the group arrived at the restaurant.
At a two-and-a-half-hour hearing before the state liquor board last week, Vongphachanh agreed to pay a fine and received his liquor license back.
Vongphachanh says he used the time off to condense Siracha’s menu, focusing on Asian street foods that will allow quicker service.
Siracha will be open 3 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Lunch service will return in August with inexpensive rice bowls, noodle bowls and bento boxes.