(Photo by Sue Vliet)

Thai Lotus Restaurant, 3800 W. National Ave., is the winner of a business plan competition for Silver City restaurants.

The competition, sponsored by the Helen Bader Foundation, was open to all restaurants and delis in Silver City, according to Beth Haskovec, Silver City Main Street manager. Contest entrants took part in a free business consultation process over the summer.

Thai Lotus restaurant was awarded a $2,000 grant. Asian International, 3401 W. National Ave., came in second, and received a $1,000 grant. Mr. Sebass, a new Peruvian restaurant at 3427 W. National Ave., was awarded $500.

Following the advice of the business consultants, Raphael Sivongsa, owner of Thai Lotus restaurant, plans to use the money to increase his food wholesale business.

“We sell egg rolls, noodles, pot pies, simple things that don’t take long to make,” said Sivongsa.

The contest “was part of a plan to strengthen the Silver City commercial corridor’s niche as a dining destination,” Haskovec said.

She said that during 2010, more than $1 million was invested in Silver City, with four new businesses opening so far this year.