Akshat Sethi had an itch. The successful financier/entrepreneur wanted to try his hand at being a restaurateur.

Eight years ago, he created Thai Chili, a sit-down restaurant in Chandler that boasts nearly 70 menu choices. It became a neighborhood favorite.

“My family approached me about doing something in the restaurant (industry),” said Sethi, who moved here from New Delhi, India, at age 23. “My background is in financial services. I concurred, and I love it.”

The real boom came with Thai Chili 2 Go, a chain of fast-casual restaurants that simplifies the Asian country’s cuisine. Sethi has Thai Chili 2 Go eateries in Queen Creek, southeast Mesa and Gilbert.

An additional Gilbert location, a take-out-only restaurant, is slated to open Tuesday, July 17 at 1887 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 101.

This location was important to him for several reasons.

“I did some research and there is a lot of residential around there,” Sethi said. “The positioning of that store is outstanding. It’s surrounded by businesses and big anchor stores, and there’s a big employer base there. We’re looking forward to taking care of the residents and employers there…