RECOMMENDED READING

  • The Power of Menu Simplification: A Case Study of Chili's Grill & Bar Success

    By Ava Ingram • Oct. 31, 2024

  • Starbucks Removes Extra Charge for Non-Dairy Milk: A Menu Development Update

    By Ava Ingram • Oct. 31, 2024

  • Revolutionizing Menus: The Success Behind Noodles' Menu Transformation

    By Ava Ingram • Mar. 10, 2025

  • Exploring Panera Bread's Menu Evolution: Customer Feedback and Marketing Strategies

    By Anastasia Ivers • Jul. 19, 2024

  • Discover the Exciting New KFC Concept: Saucy - A Flavorful Journey

    By Alexander Ivanov • Dec. 26, 2024

  • Exploring Taco Bell's Live Más Café: Reinventing Beverage Innovation

    By Alexander Ivanov • Dec. 9, 2024

  • The Rise of Signature Sauces in QSR: A Deep Dive into Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen's Latest Menu Addition

    By Aaron Ishikawa • Jul. 21, 2025

Restaurant Association Logo

Restaurant Association

Empowering restaurant professionals with free resources, training, and networking opportunities to build successful businesses.

Sign Up Free

Pages

  • Articles
  • News
  • Topics
  • Shows
  • Academy
  • Events
  • Jobs

About

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap

Resources

  • Library
  • Templates

Connect

LinkedInInstagramTikTokYouTubeX
  • Editorial Ethics Policy
  • Review Guidelines
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Restaurant Association. All rights reserved.

logo
  1. News
  2. Topics
  3. Shows
  4. Academy
  5. Events
  6. Jobs
  7. Resources

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

Log InSign Up Free
logo
LoginSign Up

    Videos

  • No results found

  • Articles

  • No results found

  1. Shows
  2. Academy
  3. Events
  4. Jobs

Become a member of the Restaurant Association!

Unlock exclusive access to webinars, events, and the latest news for FREE!

Sign up
Restaurant Association Logo

SeoulSpice: Redefining Asian Fast Casual Dining Across America

Explore how SeoulSpice is revolutionizing the Asian fast casual dining scene in the U.S. with its culturally authentic food and strategic expansion plans.

Updated On May. 20, 2025 Published May. 20, 2025

Ava Ingram

Ava Ingram

person sitting inside store

Photo by Jose Murillo on Unsplash

Cultural Authenticity and Innovation

SeoulSpice's success stems from its commitment to serving culturally authentic Korean cuisine in a fast casual format that resonates with a broader audience. By infusing traditional recipes passed down through generations with modern twists, SeoulSpice bridges the gap between heritage and convenience. Eric Shin, the visionary founder, emphasizes the brand's deeper purpose: "These are recipes from my grandfather, my grandmother, that were passed to my mother. She taught me about Korean culture through food, and that love for sharing our Korean culture is really what inspired SeoulSpice as a brand." This dedication to authenticity sets SeoulSpice apart in the bustling fast casual industry, attracting customers seeking both flavor and cultural immersion.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1487646709898-58d3c6e8d886?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw2fHxBc2lhbiUyMEN1aXNpbmUlMkMlMjBGYXN0JTIwQ2FzdWFsJTJDJTIwRXhwYW5zaW9uJTIwU3RyYXRlZ3klMkMlMjBMb2NhbCUyME1hcmtldCUyMFBlbmV0cmF0aW9ufGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NDc3MzM1MDZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0

Photo by Jose Murillo on Unsplash

Strategic Expansion and Market Adaptability

SeoulSpice's strategic expansion into Chicago marks a pivotal moment in its journey towards becoming the leading Asian fast casual brand in America. By securing investment backing and carefully selecting locations in diverse market segments, such as urban cores, neighborhoods, and university areas, SeoulSpice has demonstrated its ability to thrive in various environments. The successful foray into Chicago, a city with a vibrant culinary scene but a gap in Korean offerings, showcases SeoulSpice's adaptability and foresight. With plans for further expansion in Chicago and beyond, the brand's vision of sharing Korean cuisine nationwide drives its sustainable growth trajectory.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1487744480471-9ca1bca6fb7d?ixid=M3w2MjYzNjJ8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxBc2lhbiUyMEN1aXNpbmUlMkMlMjBGYXN0JTIwQ2FzdWFsJTJDJTIwRXhwYW5zaW9uJTIwU3RyYXRlZ3klMkMlMjBMb2NhbCUyME1hcmtldCUyMFBlbmV0cmF0aW9ufGVufDB8MHx8fDE3NDc3MzM1MDZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0

Photo by Jose Murillo on Unsplash

Maintaining Brand Integrity and Organic Growth

Unlike many competitors, SeoulSpice opts for company-owned stores over franchising to uphold its brand integrity and ensure a consistent customer experience. Eric Shin's decision aligns with a slow, organic growth strategy supported by Invus Group, emphasizing long-term success over rapid but potentially diluted expansion. Shin's emphasis on responsible growth echoes SeoulSpice's commitment to earning the right to expand, focusing on quality over quantity. By staying true to its roots and fostering a centralized approach, SeoulSpice sets itself apart as a brand dedicated to delivering not just meals but cultural experiences to its patrons.