The East Village is about to get a new flavor on its dining scene with the addition of a Korean-American restaurant by the partners behind the popular establishments C as in Charlie and Kisa. Details about the new venture emerged, with the space set for 166 First Avenue, taking over the former Ferns American restaurant and bar location. According to a representative, the doors are expected to open in 2026, NY Eater reports.
David JoonWoo Yun and Steve JaeWoo Choi, the co-partners known for their culinary ventures that blend Southern American and Korean influences, continue to expand their footprint in New York City. After the successful launch of C as in Charlie in 2022, and Kisa in 2024 — which snagged an Eater NY award for best new restaurant — the team shows no sign of slowing down. Their latest project will flesh out the narrative of their heritage as Korean American immigrants raised in the South, The Commercial Observer revealed.
The lease for the new spot is a 10-year agreement for a space encompassing 3,300 square feet, includes 1,800 square feet on the ground floor and 1,500 square feet of basement area, with an asking rent of $24,000 per month, detailed by Meridian Retail Leasing. Bobby Ortense, part of the Meridian Retail Leasing team that represented Yun and Choi, expressed the unique positioning of the restaurant, stating, "They’ll be joining a large accumulation of Michelin Guide, star and Bib Gourmand restaurants in the immediate East Village area. But what sets them apart is their narrative, each location they open tells a different part of their story growing up in the South as Korean American immigrants." Yun and Choi's new culinary venue is slated to welcome patrons during the first quarter of 2026, as reported by The Commercial Observer.
Set between East 10th and East 11th streets, the upcoming restaurant has sparked interest not only for the food which, has garnered acclaim in previous enterprises, but for its contributions to a diverse and vibrant dining community in the East Village. Greg Goldberg who brokered the deal for the landlord through Meridian, was not immediately available for comment, but the anticipation in the neighborhood is palpable with the promise of new vibrant Korean-American cuisine to be added to the gastronomic tapestry of the area.
