Korean Fried Chicken Spot 'The Brim' Headed To The Tenderloin

Korean Fried Chicken Spot 'The Brim' Headed To The TenderloinThe Brim's co-owner Min Choe (left) and his commercial real estate agent, Jaron Eliopoulos. (Photos: Jessica Park/Hoodline)
Jessica Park
Published on October 04, 2016

Tenderloin residents may be happy to hear that a new restaurant specializing in Korean fried chicken, Korean and Japanese small plates, and beer is on the way. The Brim will be taking over the vacant former flower shop and laundromat at 711 and 715 Geary St. (at Leavenworth) in early 2017.

Jaron Eliopoulos, a commercial real estate agent for Touchstone Commercial Partners, introduced the spaces to his client Min Choe, who also owns Cow Hollow sushi bar Tamashisoul (1849 Union St.) and brand-new Mission omakase restaurant Sushi Hon (2598 Harrison St.), which opened in July

Choe, who relocated from New York City about two years ago, is a restaurant veteran. He began cooking 12 years ago as a student in Tennessee, and opened his first restaurant, a hibachi spot, during his time there. He then joined a consulting firm on the East Coast before making the move to the Bay Area two years ago.

Though his first two ventures focused on Japanese food, Choe decided to go back to his Korean roots for the new location, focusing on Korean-style fried chicken (served with various sauces) and beer. His partners Nathan Choi and Jae Jung, who run Bay Area food truck Kokio Republic, already specialize in Korean fried chicken; together, the trio will also offer smaller Korean- and Japanese- inspired plates.

Empty storefronts of 711 and 715 Geary St.

Choe said he knew right away that the Tenderloin was where he wanted to open his next restaurant, and that he was very excited to do so. The two separate locations are being renovated into one larger restaurant, with 800 square feet of space. The plan is to have a small kitchen in the back corner, with a bar area off to the left-hand side. The 715 Geary half of the space will become a modern dining room, with large communal tables.

Like Choe, Eliopoulos believes the Tenderloin is a great neighborhood for a new restaurant, noting that Geary Street has become an "up and coming area for new restaurants" like Mensho Ramen and Elephant Sushi.

Choe hopes to open The Brim in sometime early January. The restaurant will be open Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm-2am.