Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Lim.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jane. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I studied Education at college and received my Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2010. I wasn’t quite ready to teach right off the bat, so I took on other full-time jobs at an office setting, then as a retail manager after that. After a few years, I felt I was ready to fully invest all my energy into something, so I began my first year teaching here in Houston & Austin. I taught for almost four years and realized it wasn’t for me.
During this time, my older brother offered me the opportunity to go into business with him, and create a food concept together with my younger brother that we thought our local Houstonians would love. He’s an entrepreneur himself so he gave us a vision of what we could do & create together. My younger brother had the creative talent in the kitchen, so we brought all of our skills and personalities together to create the Seoulside Wings Food Truck!
Has it been a smooth road?
No way, but nothing worth doing, I think, is ever going to be. Working with family can be tricky, but we’ve always had loyalty and a close bond since we were very young-so no matter how tough things have gotten, we have always realized the mission we have is the same and that is our best interest is in each other.
Some other struggles have been navigating the business realm along the way, but I’ve been fortunate to be born into an entrepreneurial family background. My dad immigrated here from South Korea and started a janitorial company at a young age so I look up to him a lot for that. My older brother joined him later on and expanded the company to locations around the U.S. so I have lots of inspiration and guidance to follow.
Entering into the laborious restaurant industry has also been an adjustment, but steering the wheel of my own business is a very gratifying feeling. I also love seeing customers come back to tell us how good the food was-it really makes our day.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Seoulside Wings – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in Korean Fried Chicken Wings, which is known for being double-fried, and has a very lightweight, shatteringly crisp batter. We also make Kimchi Fries, Honey Butter Fries, and Bulgogi & Tofu Rice Cups called Cupbop.
We are gaining popularity from the wings right now, which are giving people the experience of eating authentic Korean Fried Chicken in Korea. I would say I am most proud of my younger brother, who at 24, dedicated over a year, almost every day, to get the batter right, and scratch makes all of the flavorful sauces and marinades. I’m also very happy with our style-it’s an extension of both my brothers’ and my personality.
I think what sets us apart (to my knowledge) is being the 1st Korean Americans to do Korean Fried Chicken Wings from a Food Truck in Houston. My younger brother took experiences gained from my mom’s country-style, native Korean cooking into our dishes. We ensure that the process is authentic along the way, such as ensuring the Kimchi is fermented just enough and caramelized perfectly for the Kimchi fries. We love the BBQ flavor many people also love about KBBQ, so we house marinate the bulgogi to achieve that slightly sweet and savory flavor.
People have been going crazy over both our Korean sauces and classic American flavors, especially with our rice and side of complimentary house pickled radish called moo (like a cow)! We also offer two flavors people can choose for their six pieces at our routine truck spots with an exception to large scale events.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I really love the diversity of our city and the realness. We’ve got tons of personality and culture weaved into all parts of town and there is a sense of community I feel and I’m sure others feel the same. What I like least will probably have to be transportation-you pretty much have to drive everywhere because the city is so expansive!
Pricing:
- Our Wings are priced at $9 for a 6 piece and you can choose up to 2 flavors. Fries or Rice can be added for $1 extra
- Kimchi Fries $7
- Honey Butter Fries $5
- Bulgogi Rice Cup $10
- Tofu Rice Cup $7
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-270-8009
- Email: JANE@SEOULSIDEWINGS.COM
- Instagram: @SEOULSIDEHTX
- Facebook: @SEOULSIDEHTX
- Twitter: @SEOULSIDEHTX
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/seoulside-wings-houston
Image Credit:
Robert Kim
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
