Korean barbecue restaurant reopens under original family leadership

Food & Drink

Nov 11

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Emonae Korean Barbecue

Known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality, Emonae Korean Barbecue is officially reopening on November 13, with new consistent hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. After a period of inconsistency, the original family, led by its founder and matriarch, affectionately known as Oma, is back at the helm and ready to welcome the community. The restaurant is located at 6246 28th St. SE, Ste. A in Grand Rapids.

“Some of you remember the first time my mom cooked for you, how her food tasted like home, even if you weren’t Korean. Some of you remember the laughs, the long tables, the late nights,” said Rob Yoon, owner, Emonae Korean Barbecue, in a Facebook post.

Emonae is reopening with a return to the dishes that made it a local favorite, including traditional hot soups, stews, marinated Galbi, and Bulgogi, as well as Oma’s original marinades and side dishes.

“Some of you also remember the frustration when the doors weren’t open when they should’ve been. That inconsistency was on me,” said Yoon. “I stepped back and trusted people to run the place who didn’t hold the same standard that me and my mom built this restaurant on. I should’ve stayed, I should’ve managed it myself, and I own that.”

New affordable lunch specials will also be offered, reflecting the team’s belief that good food should be accessible without breaking the wallet.

“This is our family back in the kitchen, cooking with our hands, our history, and our heart,” said Yoon. “If you’ve ever eaten here before, come try it again. If you’ve never been, come see why this place means so much to us. Thank you for giving us another shot. We won’t waste it.”

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