Asian Mint’s Nikky Phinyawatana participates in Les Dames d’Escoffier’s annual fundraiser.

Two Asian Mint locations just weren’t enough to satisfy customers’ pad Thai and crispy egg roll cravings.

The popular Asian fusion restaurant is slated to open its third eatery this fall at Inwood Village, where Cafe Istanbul used to be housed, CultureMap’s Teresa Gubbins reports.

Known for its modern vibe, eclectic Asian fare and creative desserts, Asian Mint first opened in 2005 on Forest Lane and has received several accolades since then. Founder Nikky Phinyawatana — a member of the prestigious Les Dames d’Escoffier — told CultureMap that the expansion attracts neighborhood customers who “say they’d come in more often if we were closer” and gives her staff more opportunities.

“I’ve had those guys come in who’ve made offers to turn the restaurant into a franchise, but I’m not there right now,” Phinyawatana told Gubbins. “I’m not just doing this to make money. If we’re not having fun, we’re not doing it. I love my staff so much, and want to give them the experience of opening a new restaurant. My restaurants are a medium for people to grow.”