A house of restaurant brands, built with intention and anchored in community.
THE FOUNDER
Jackie Suthon
At the heart of Morning Stone is our founder, Jackie Suthon someone who believes strong restaurants are built the same way strong communities are: deliberately, thoughtfully, and over time.
Jackie became the owner of The Baan Thai Cuisine during COVID, at a moment when resilience was just as important as vision. But his journey began years before ownership. In 2016, he entered to Baan Thai Cuisine as a delivery driver, then moved on to become a server, a manager, and eventually an owner—gaining deep, hands-on operational understanding at every step. That lived experience continues to anchor how he leads today: with humility, grit, and heart.
That experience became the blueprint for Morning Stone. The group was built on firsthand understanding of operations, people, and the realities of hospitality—not theory or trends. Every concept under Morning Stone reflects this mindset: disciplined, practical, and grounded in real work.
In 2025, Jackie was honored as Business Citizen of the Year by the San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce through the Spirit of Marin Awards—a recognition of his contributions to the local culinary scene, community engagement, and his commitment to hospitality, excellence, and authentic connection.
Now based in Marin County, Jackie often spends time outside of work reading at Imagination Park or walking through downtown San Anselmo.
His perspective is simple: be present, support local, and value real human connection. For Jackie, restaurants aren’t meant to stand apart from their neighborhoods—they’re built to grow with them.
A brief timeline of our journey, told through the restaurants under Morning Stone Group.
Our journey
2013
The Original Baan Thai
Since 2013, Baan Thai Cuisine has been proud to serve fresh, seasonal food to the San Anselmo community—guided by care, intention, and a deep respect for the people we cook for.
2016
Where It All Began
In 2016, our founder, Jackie, became involved with the restaurant as a delivery driver—moving from delivery to server, and then to manager. Over time, your children grew up, and so did we. What began as a neighborhood Thai restaurant naturally evolved into a familiar gathering place—where families marked milestones, friendships formed, and everyday moments turned into lasting memories.
2020
A New Chapter for The Baan Thai Cuisine
In 2020, when COVID reshaped the hospitality industry, Jackie purchased the restaurant and ushered in a new chapter of The Baan Thai Cuisine with Chef's Nina and his operation team. With a renewed vision, we thoughtfully elevated the dining experience while staying true to our roots. Premium-quality ingredients, attentive service, and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere came together to create a higher level of comfort—without ever losing the warmth that made our restaurant feel like home. This transformation was not about becoming something different. It was about becoming a better version of who we already were.
2024
The Birth of Kuro Nami
In 2024, our journey expanded with the launch of Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen, a new concept opened next to The Baan Thai Cuisine. The name Kuro Nami, meaning “Black Wave” in Japanese, draws inspiration from the ocean—deep, powerful, and quietly commanding. Like a dark wave rolling in with purpose, Kuro Nami represents our approach to hospitality: composed, confident, and thoughtfully executed. At its core, the concept is about delivering dining experiences that are intentional and refined—bold in flavor, clear in vision, and designed to leave a lasting impression without calling attention to itself.
2025
The Morning Stone Era
In 2025, our journey came together under a shared vision with the creation of Morning Stone. More than a restaurant group, Morning Stone represents our philosophy of care, intention, and community. It reflects how we build, how we lead, and how we grow—thoughtfully and purposefully—alongside the people and places we call home.
2026
The Next Chapter
New concept is coming soon...
WHAT MORNING STONE
means to us
The name "Morning Stone" itself carries a deep significance, encapsulating the very essence of our hospitality philosophy.
"Morning" evokes the fresh start of a new day, the promise of new beginnings, and the warm, gentle light that signifies hope and rejuvenation. It represents the welcoming embrace we extend to every guest, inviting them to start their day—or their evening—with comfort, joy, and exceptional care. It speaks to the freshness of our ingredients, the renewed energy in our service, and our commitment to innovation.
"Stone," on the other hand, symbolizes groundedness, permanence, and the enduring strength of natural elements. It reflects our roots—both in the tangible landscape of Marin County and in the timeless traditions of genuine hospitality. A stone is a foundation, a building block, representing the solid values upon which our group is built: integrity, quality, and resilience. It also signifies the natural beauty and rugged elegance we strive to incorporate into our environments, creating spaces that feel both refined and intrinsically connected to the earth.
Together, "Morning Stone" represents the balance between the new and the enduring, the fresh start and the solid foundation. It is our guiding principle—a commitment to innovative, warm experiences built on a bedrock of traditional values and unwavering quality. It’s about creating places that feel both vibrant and timeless, where every visit leaves a lasting impression and beckons a return.
Why Marin County?
Marin County is more than just a location for Morning Stone Hospitality Group. It is our home, our muse, and an integral part of our identity. The breathtaking landscapes, vibrant communities, and a deep-seated appreciation for quality living that define Marin have profoundly shaped our approach to hospitality. From the misty redwood forests to the serene bays and rugged coastlines, Marin County embodies a natural elegance and a spirit of mindful living that resonates deeply with our brand.
Our commitment to sourcing fresh, ingredients is a direct reflection of Marin’s rich agricultural heritage and its abundance of exceptional produce and artisanal products. We draw inspiration from the county's diverse culture, its entrepreneurial spirit, and its residents' passion for health, wellness, and environmental stewardship. This connection allows us to craft dining experiences that are not only delicious but also deeply authentic and reflective of the community we serve.
We believe in contributing to the fabric of Marin, supporting local, artists, and businesses, and fostering spaces where neighbors can gather, connect, and thrive. Our restaurants are designed to be extensions of the community—places where the natural beauty of Marin is celebrated, and where every guest feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Hospitality, for us, is not just about food — it is about creating places people return to, again and again.
Respect Culture & Tradition
We honor the rich tapestry of culinary traditions and the diverse cultures they represent. Our approach involves deep respect for authenticity, learning from and celebrating the heritage embedded in every cuisine. This respect extends to our team, our guests, and our partners, fostering an environment of mutual understanding.
Hospitality Beyond the Table
Our commitment to hospitality extends far beyond the dining table. It encompasses every interaction, from a warm welcome to attentive service and genuine connection. We strive to anticipate needs, create comfort, and foster a sense of belonging, ensuring every guest feels truly valued and cared for, not just served.
Prepare & Craft with Intention
Every detail, from the sourcing of ingredients to the design of our spaces and the presentation of each plate, is executed with thoughtful deliberation. We believe in purposeful creation, ensuring that every element contributes to a harmonious and exceptional experience for our guests.
Grow with the Community
Morning Stone is guided by a simple belief: we do better when the communities around us do better. We focus on working thoughtfully—supporting local producers, creating steady jobs, and taking part in the neighborhoods we serve. Our goal is not just to grow as a business, but to be a considerate and dependable presence over time.