SWEET CHILI ASIAN CUISINE CELEBRATES LONG-AWAITED GRAND OPENING

Marathon’s diverse food offerings leveled up a notch with the opening of Sweet Chili Asian Cuisine on Jan. 21. With a menu offering pad thai, stir fry, curry proteins and pho entrees along with Asian appetizers and other assorted dishes, the restaurant is the brainchild of Marathon local and former Publix manager Sopheap Smith and her husband Lavarski.

“I know this has been a real labor of love, and leaving your career as a senior manager is a big leap of faith,” said Marathon Chamber of Commerce CEO Daniel Samess at the eatery’s grand opening and ribbon cutting. “But we are so happy that you took that leap, because our stomachs are going to benefit greatly.”

Demand for the shop’s cuisine has been skyhigh in the days since its opening, with multiple menu items consistently selling out. Visit the eatery at 11524 Overseas Hwy. or visit sweetchilithekeys.com for more information. The restaurant’s Facebook page, “Sweet Chili Asian Cuisine,” posts daily updates as the business works through the logistics of its opening weeks.

— Keys Weekly staff report