Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyu Shim.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey started about twenty years ago. Back then, I deeply missed Seoul — not just the city, but the vibrant, noisy, warm atmosphere of my twenties. In Dallas, there was no place that carried that energy. There were plenty of restaurants, but nowhere that captured the nostalgic pocha culture of the ’80s and ’90s in Korea.
While working at a Japanese restaurant, I decided to take a risk and create that experience myself. That’s how I opened the very first pocha-style restaurant in the Dallas area — introducing the concept to the community for the first time. At the beginning, it was primarily designed for Korean-born guests who grew up with this culture and longed for that same sense of familiarity.
Over time, my vision evolved. I found myself wanting to share the joy of Korean-style eating, drinking, and connecting with the broader local community. That led me into a deeper exploration of identity and branding. I wanted a concept that didn’t need the word “Korean” attached to it, yet still represented the essence of Korean drinking and dining culture.
That’s when soju became the core identity — a symbol instantly tied to Korean social culture. The “101” represented an entry point: the beginning of a dining-and-entertainment experience centered around soju.
In 2017, I launched Soju 101 with a modern, 2020s-inspired menu that moved beyond traditional pocha offerings. It became a place where nostalgia and innovation meet — and that combination is what brought me to where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“To be honest, it wasn’t easy. Like everyone else, the COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest hurdle, especially the lockdowns starting in 2020. For about two years, our only goal was pure survival. It was heartbreaking to see so many restaurants close their doors during that time.
But we decided to use that time to refocus. In 2020, I dedicated myself to refining our recipes, cooking methods, and streamlining the menu. We also pivoted to Instagram marketing and created delivery-optimized menus to reach customers who were stuck at home. Surprisingly, we received more love and support during those tough years than ever before. That overwhelming support is exactly what brought us to where we are today.”
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Contemporary Korean cuisine and Texan inspired fusion. Specialized in Korean drink and spirits. Private karaoke rooms so everybody can become a k-pop idol.
Pricing:
- Drink $5 – $ 15
- Food $7 – $35 shared portion
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Soju101.dallastx
