sway Aspen announces new executive chef ahead of grand opening

sway Aspen, the highly-anticipated Thai restaurant opening in December, introduces its new executive chef, Wichayanee Chayangkura. sway Aspen, a venture by New Waterloo in collaboration with Infinite Hospitality, brings a fusion of tradition and innovation to the heart of Aspen, located at 308 E. Hopkins Avenue.

Originating from Bangkok, Chef Chayangkura has a deep understanding of Thai cuisine, Royal Thai, and Asian culinary arts, with over two decades of experience in the hospitality and airline industries. Her career has been marked by a series of remarkable achievements and diverse roles, including management positions in food and beverage departments and successful stints at renowned establishments. Most recently, she served as the sous chef at Martini’s Bistro in Longmont, Colorado. Chef Chayangkura earned her bachelor’s degree in English and literature at the Srinakharinwirot University in Bangkok, followed by a certification in hotel and restaurant management from the Katharine Gibbs School of Boston. She then continued her education at Southern New Hampshire University, receiving a master’s degree in business in 1991. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to join sway as executive chef, guiding an incredibly skilled team dedicated to introducing a unique take on Thai cuisine to Aspen’s dining scene,” she said. “The opportunity to share our modern take on Thai food and elevated service with both the local community and visitors from across the globe is invigorating.”

In addition to her, the sway team is also bringing on Anthony Viera as the location’s general manager. He comes to sway from Aspen’s popular Chica Restaurant and has operated in the service and hospitality industries for over two decades, heading up several fan-favorite destinations across Colorado, including Nobu, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Vail Resorts, and more. Educated at The Culinary Institute of America and a volunteer Chef Instructor at Colorado Mountain College for the past 20 years, his breadth of experience will add to sway’s success in the Colorado culinary scene.

“I have a great love of all things outdoors and sports and a desire to work with creative, passionate, energetic people in hospitality,” said Viera. “I look forward to bringing some cool, new flavors to Aspen and introducing guests to the depth and diversity to be found in Thai cuisine.”

sway Aspen is committed to sourcing from local and regional vendors and farmers, offering both classically-inspired and elevated dishes, in addition to a curated array of beverages, including beer, wine, sake, and signature Thai cocktails. sway Aspen will offer dinner service to start, with plans to add lunch. Guests can anticipate an exceptional, guided dining experience that combines the renowned and unique offerings of sway with the elevated level of service expected alongside Aspen’s dramatic mountainous surroundings.

For those interested in working with sway Aspen, the restaurant is now hiring for all positions. Benefits and paid time off apply to all employees working 25 or more hours per week. sway Aspen is hosting a walk-in hiring fair at Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar for potential candidates to meet and share a bite with the team, Nov. 8-10, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information, visit swaythai.com/coming-soon-sway-aspen or follow sway on Facebook (@swaythai) and Instagram (@swaythai).