The most recent developments of a lawsuit filed by Mahendru P.C. trial attorney Ashish Mahendru on behalf of his clients, Kin Dee LLC and Warattayar “Lukkaew” Srasrisuwan, against former co-owner Miranda Loetkhamfu are the subject of an article in the Houston Chronicle by reporter Aviva Bechky. Kin Dee is a popular Thai eatery that opened in the Houston Heights area in 2020.
Mr. Mahendru’s clients sued Miranda Loetkhamfu for violating her non-compete agreement along with her agreement to maintain Kin Dee’s information as confidential. In October 2023, Ms. Loetkhamfu sold her 50% membership interest in the restaurant to the plaintiff Ms. Srasrisuwan for nearly $1 million. In exchange, Ms. Loetkhamfu signed a non-compete, which included a covenant not to operate a Thai restaurant within 15 miles of Kin Dee’s location, a covenant not to poach Kin Dee’s employees, and a covenant not to poach or solicit Kin Dee’s customers. Ms. Loetkhamfu also agreed that the plaintiffs would have exclusive rights to the Kin Dee name and all its recipes.
After roughly 18 months into the five-year term of the non-compete, Ms. Loetkhamfu allegedly breached the agreement by opening two Thai restaurants, Krua Thai & Sushi and MA Asian Kitchen, which are well inside the 15-mile restricted territory. At the restraining order hearing, Judge Aston was convinced that these restaurants are Thai restaurants. Ms. Loetkhamfu is also accused of poaching several of Kin Dee’s employees, even though the non-compete agreement explicitly barred it.
Harris County District Judge Sonya Aston has since granted a temporary restraining order and an order for expedited discovery in the case. This bars both Krua and MA Asian Kitchen from using Kin Dee’s trade secrets and recipes or hiring Kin Dee’s employees. Those employees who were solicited to join Ms. Loetkhamfu’s newer restaurants and were already working in them are also prohibited from continuing to work in those businesses.
According to Mr. Mahendru, “One can see how the massive payment to Ms. Loetkhamfu for her interest in Kin Dee essentially became seed capital for her to start those competing businesses.” A temporary injunction hearing in this case is scheduled for Sept. 22 while the order is in effect.
The case is Kin Dee, LLC and Warattayar Srasrisuwan v. Krua LLC, MA Asian Kitchen LLC, Miranda Loetkhamfu, and Auttapon Nernbok, cause number, 2025-67603 in the 234th District Court of Harris County.