CANDLER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two new eateries, Ocha Thai and Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station, have opened within one month and a half-mile of each other on Smokey Park Highway in Enka-Candler, N.C.

Ocha Thai

Ocha Thai is located at 1007 Smokey Park Hwy. in Candler, N.C.

Ocha Thai opened to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 1007 Smokey Park Hwy.

Their hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Ocha Thai has numerous can’t-miss banners advertising their open status.

Prices range from $9 for appetizers, which include offerings like calamari, chicken satay and Thai hot wings, up to between $22 and $32 for dinner entrées like Pla Neung Manao, a steamed whole red snapper with lime and chili, and Pla Rad Prik, a deep-fried red snapper topped with sweet and spicy chili sauce.

Find their full menu here.

Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station

The exterior of Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station.

Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station, dubbed after an old local name for part of the Enka-Candler area, opened to the public on Dec. 12, 2025.

The brewery is open Monday-Saturday from 1-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-8 p.m. and is located at 811 Smokey Park Hwy., right up the road from Ocha Thai.

In addition to its drink selections, Scratch Ankle keeps a rotating food truck on site, offering fare from establishments like Benny’s Pizza, 6 Pigs, Bell Buoy Seafood and Faithful Flames.

Keep up to date with the food truck schedule and Fillin’ Station drink deals on the Scratch Ankle Facebook page.

Read more. . .