Thai Peru and the Recipe for Success: A Camarillo Business Story
When you walk into Thai Peru, located in the heart of Camarillo’s Plaza at Mission Oaks, you’re stepping into more than just a restaurant—you’re stepping into a story of resilience, vision, and community support.
Founded and owned by Dominick Dongo, Thai Peru is a unique culinary fusion of traditional Thai and Peruvian flavors, thoughtfully prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. But like many small businesses, the road to success hasn’t always been easy. Thanks to support from the City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund, administered by the Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), Thai Peru continues to thrive—bringing bold flavors and heartfelt hospitality to Camarillo locals and visitors alike.
A Lifelong Entrepreneurial Spirit
Dominick’s entrepreneurial journey began early. As a child growing up in a financially self-reliant family, he learned quickly what it meant to work hard and think creatively. That early drive led him to open his first restaurant in Oxnard in 1999. From that small operation in Oxnard to downtown Ventura, and finally to Camarillo, Thai Peru has grown into a beloved local favorite.
Dominick explains that his vision has always been to build a business with a unique perspective. At Thai Peru, that means bringing together the flavors of Thai and Peruvian cooking. “We believe in serving food that is not only delicious, but also made with the highest quality ingredients,” he explains. Thai Peru uses alkaline water, rice oil, and fresh local vegetables—eschewing shortcuts like frozen ingredients. “Every meal is perfectly prepared to deliver an authentic taste you can’t get anywhere else,” he adds.
The Road to Camarillo
Dominick’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Like many small business owners, Dominick faced major hurdles along the way—from the 2008 recession to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I maxed out my credit cards. I took out a second line of credit on my house,” he recalls. “It took time for the business to take off, but it did. I was lucky and blessed.”
When the pandemic hit, many local restaurants didn’t survive. But Dominick found hope and stability through Camarillo’s Business Assistance Loan Fund.
Lending a Helping Hand: The City’s Business Loan Program
The City of Camarillo Business Assistance Loan Fund, managed by the EDC, is designed to help businesses launch, grow, and stay resilient. Loans range from $10,000 to $100,000 with low interest rates (currently 4.25%) and flexible repayment terms, including up to six months of interest-only payments in some cases.
The application process isn’t what you might expect from traditional lending institutions. “The process was straightforward. No bureaucracy like at most banks,” Dominick says.
To qualify, businesses must be in Camarillo and meet key financial criteria. All applicants also receive no-cost advising from EDC’s Small Business Development Center, both before and after funding. This hands-on support helps business owners like Dominick stay focused on what matters most: running a great business.
For Thai Peru, this program provided a vital safety net during uncertain times.
“We used the loan to pay rent, buy inventory, and keep our staff employed,” Dominick says. “The EDC handled the whole thing thoroughly and beautifully. They were amazing. We needed financial support; they just came through with no obstacles. Boom, here it is, just keep going! Keep the doors open.”
Why Camarillo Works for Business
Dominick has operated restaurants in several cities across Ventura County, but he says Camarillo stands out for its pro-business environment. “It’s the most business-oriented city I’ve ever worked in. No impediments. No obstacles. Just a place where you can do what you envision.”
That welcoming environment, paired with access to resources like the loan fund, makes Camarillo an ideal location for startups and established businesses alike. Thai Peru’s success story is just one example of how a local government, in partnership with organizations like the EDC, can help businesses not only survive—but thrive.
A Recipe for Success
Thai Peru is more than a restaurant—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when entrepreneurial vision meets community investment. Through collaborative partnerships and robust resources, Camarillo continues to create an environment where small businesses can flourish. And thanks to business owners like Dominick Dongo, that environment is filled with great food, rich culture, and a whole lot of heart.
To learn more about how the City of Camarillo and the EDC support local business growth, visit ChooseCamarillo.com.