This week, I’d like to share three popular South Korean chef-inspired restaurant concepts, including Mad For Garlic, that are moved into the second phase of international expansion. Successfully launched in South Korea and Asia, Seoul-based SUN AT FOODS now plans to bring their handcrafted artisanal cuisines to the U.S and the Americas.
One of my longtime personal favorites, which I have talked about often, is Mad for Garlic that first opened in 2001. They are known for their garlic-specialized Italian cuisine served in rather unique restaurant settings.
I feel their secrets are Mad for Garlic’s method of removing the garlic’s pungent smell and unique way of cooking Italian cuisine with a Korean twist. In Korea and Asia they have won the hearts of both garlic and non-garlic lovers.
Building on the success of Mad for Garlic are two new concepts Modern Nulung and Bistro Seoul.
Inspired by 1930s Shanghai Renaissance era, Modern Nulang is the combination words of ‘Modern’ and ‘Nulang’ –the latter meaning ‘woman’ in Chinese. They have reinterpreted the era’s ‘modern women’ in their dishes, which guests describe as ‘Sophisticated’ and ‘Romantic’ Chinese Cuisine. Best of all, folks love indulging in an exotic Shanghai dining and cultural experience captured so well in Modern Nulang.
A third concept is Bistro Seoul. Here they offer authentic Korean cuisine made with fresh ingredients and seasoning prepared in a traditional but modern interpretation. Savory dishes include Grilled Short Rib Patties, and their ever popular Korean style pancakes that include Kimchi & Seafood pancakes, Crispy Potato pancakes and Minced Shrimp & Seafood pancakes.
SUN AT FOODS plans are now underway targeting top regional U.S markets as well as meeting with industry leaders and potential regional developers. In fact, I am their market development consultant and we’re eager to meet with potential partners to share the three concepts—each with their unique appeal.
For more information on the brands, please contact www.bridgingculture.com
For all urgent matters, text me at 310-866-3777
#everythingkorea
###
Everything Korea, Episode September 14, Ten Insights
In this episode I’d like to share “Ten Insights into Korean business.” This is something I often incorporate into one on one coaching and mentoring sessions. It was also developed in collaboration with a senior Korea manager specifically to explain to his team’s Westerners on the company—the Westerners lacking first hand knowledge in the mother company and seeing the Company only in their local operations. In particular, there was a gap between how things were executed in Korea and had evolved locally– to a model less efficient and with time-consuming procedures.
To begin,
Trust There is a very strong trust within teams and in the company. This is often because of a legacy in achieving many bold accomplishments—often seemingly impossible tasks.
Family Traditional family norms permeate the work culture (Elder brother as boss, senior managers, etc.) and the related concept that co-workers are seen as family.
Challenge A one-word summary of the Korean workplace would be Challenge–both in what it has overcome and in what it expects of its global employees.
Input Companies are very hierarchical, but actively demands input from all levels. In fact, top management make decisions based on the expectation that the lower levels have considered all possible outcomes and challenges.
Teamwork Once a decision is made all dissenting or differing opinions unite to embrace success.
Solution In Korea, employees do not bad mouth or put down their company. In fact, employees feel that such an attitude is “part of the problem” and not “part of the solution.” Even among friends, negative thoughts are not shared.
Relationships From higher ranks to the lower ranks, they are very hierarchical. But, here are also very protective organizations. On one level, norms dictate that Seniors are demanding of their Junior employees. One reason is to make sure Juniors learn the work expectations, practices, and culture.
On another level, workers must ensure that mistakes are not made that could reflect badly on their Seniors the department, or the company. Once a Junior works for a Senior that Jr. is part of a network of other employees under the umbrella or protection of the Senior.
Expectations There are very high expectations that must be met. Doing a great job is what you are paid to do….
Collaboration The American workplace process is often to receive an assignment, clarify details, go off, work hard, and come back to the manager with the result.
The Korean staff will take a different approach. They will receive an assignment, work and discuss it collectively with others, and go back to the manager on multiple occasions informally to make sure they are following the path the manager wants. This method takes times, but Korean workers know when the manager sees the result, it will be what the senior requested.
Adaptability Flexibility and acceptance of change. Projects are subject to lots of change—some speed up, while others stall.
Questions, Comments? Want to chat?
Just go to http://www.meetme.so/southerton
Oh one more thing,
I was very pleased that my favorite Korean food brand Mad for Garlic is expanding into the Middle East. Here are some links sharing more. The brand would do well in the US.
http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/24482-first-garlic-themed-restaurant-to-open-in-the-uae/
http://www.gulfretailnews.com/en/news/food-beverage/item/17491-garlic-themed-restaurant-mad-for-garlic-to-enter-the-middle-east
http://alahliholdinggroup.com/al-ahli-holding-group-brings-mad-for-garlic-to-the-middle-east/
Plus one more link on US opportunity here,
http://unbouncepages.com/mfg-2/