Zap Restaurants opened their first outlet in 1996 in the Food Court in Albert Street, Auckland CBD. Their second outlet, Zap2 Thai Café & Bar, opened in Balmoral in 1999. Having established a good reputation, and ably supported by their extended family, the owners, Payao and Hamish, opened two further outlets Zap3 and Zap4 in a Queen St Food Court. The Balmoral restaurant was continually full, with often 20 customers waiting on the footpath for a table at the weekends. In 2004 a major renovation was completed which doubled the size of Zap2, much to the delight of both staff and customers. With this increased business, it was decided to consolidate on just of the sites, Zap2 and Zap4.

Zap4 Esan Thai Cuisine has recently relocated to a stand alone outlet in Commerce St, Auckland CBD, although retaining the very successful foodcourt format. Customers who found the foodcourt not to their liking have returned in large numbers especially the local business community. Lunchtimes are always very busy. Customers of both outlets continue to enjoy Thai food cooked to the highest standard at a very reasonable price.

Whilst both outlets have an extensive range of North-East Thai dishes, a full range of all the most popular meals is available. Both outlets are fully licensed, with the BYO Wine at Zap2 being a very popular choice with the customers.

Staff in the kitchens are mostly close family of Payao, ably supported at the front of house by Thai students which combine to give a very family type atmosphere at both Zap2 and Zap4.