Spicy for most Americans is a generous dash of black pepper. This place is still popular, but not like it was in the 20 years ago in the glory days. I live in the countryside between two small towns, one with 9,000 people and another with 3,000 people. Between these two places there might be 15 locally owned eateries, all of them are Mexican restaurants with the exact same recipes, "Chinese buffets", or egg and bacon American cafes. Thai Chow really stands out with competition like this.
I put Chinese in quotes because the food the Chinese prepare for us in the USA is hardly authentic, but they are smart and cater to American tastes, make everything sweeter, saltier, and less spicy, less herbs, less vegetables, more meat, more guns and bullets 🤪.