Celebrated Korean barbecue chain Baekjeong opened its first Bay Area location on August 17th at Westfield Valley Fair mall in San Jose, where eager food enthusiasts flocked for a taste of the sensation praised by critics across the United States.
Entering the 9,000 square-foot space, patrons are greeted by an ambiance reminiscent of Korea's bustling night markets, setting the stage for an immersive and captivating dining experience. As Baekjeong's Senior Director of Culinary Operations Samuel Kim explains to ABC7, patrons need not be experts in Korean cuisine to enjoy their time at the restaurant. A friendly staff guides diners through the process, cooking each expertly prepared dish from start to finish.
Originally set to open in 2022, Baekjeong's Bay Area arrival faced a series of challenges along the way. "We definitely went through challenges in building this restaurant but, we're really excited to be here, we really wanted to be in the Bay Area," Kim reflects in an interview with ABC7. The much-awaited launch has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from local residents and mall employees alike.
The space seats up to 250 diners, making it an ideal spot for large gatherings and those looking to share a delectable meal with friends and family. This striking addition to the Westfield Valley Fair mall aligns with the mall's recent efforts to diversify, opting for fan-favorites such as Eataly, Ramen Nagi, and Din Tai Fung to replace traditional shopping outlets. This strategy emerged following the mall's $1.1 billion renovation, intended to create a space appealing to a wide range of shoppers and food enthusiasts.
Baekjeong's attractive presence in the heart of the Westfield Valley Fair mall is an exciting and unmissable milestone for the South Bay community. Not only does it contribute to the region's thriving food culture, but it also signals a promising future that embraces experiential destinations and celebrates culinary diversity.
For those eager to join the buzz, Baekjeong's location offers service from Monday to Thursday between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m., on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. until midnight, on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to midnight, and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To book a table at Baekjeong and feast on their savory, seared delights, visit their website and reserve your spot today.
