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| Linus Kim, center, prepares a big plate of food. / Courtesy of Robert Michael Evans |
By Kyung Lee
When Linus Kim shuttered the second branch of his barbecue restaurant Linus' Bama Style Barbecue in the Seoul neighborhood of Haebangchon (HBC) late last year, it brought more sorrow than closure, even to this day.
"Having closed in HBC was heartbreaking because I put so much of myself in there," Kim told The Korea Times.
Kim's business started off in 2014 with pop-up events, before opening his first location in Itaewon.
Having extended his business to HBC from his first branch located between Itaewon and Noksapyeong stations, Kim has always used his establishments to support small businesses operating nearby, providing a space for musicians to give live performances, while also connecting with patrons that he serves.
"That is the closest thing I've ever experienced to living in a village where everybody knows each other," he said. "It's hard to just operate there and not wave out the window because someone you know just passed by."
Although closing the restaurant came as a "big blow" to Kim, he told The Korea Times he intends to stay connected and help revitalize the neighborhood's existing community ― which is still being hit hard by uncertainties brought on by COVID-19 and the resultant social distancing measures ― in any way he can to keep the existing cultural landscape from eroding further.
Though he said he couldn't reveal specific details, Kim added that he looks forward to supporting "smart and creative" people who want to invest in and put his old space to good use.
"I'm trying to support really good ideas with very motivated people behind them," he said. "And so, although I'm handing over the torch so to speak, I'm interested in advising new guys so they have the best chance for success."
Another way of helping each other to survive, according to Kim, is by providing spare essential supplies to restaurants that ran out of stock because of an unexpected sudden increase in customers recently.
"We're only purchasing cases of Coca-Cola for the week, not for the month, and people are running out because sales are picking up now that the weather's getting better," he said.
In addition to reducing the menu, the barbecue restaurant has also been struggling with maintaining an ample workforce in response to more customers coming to dine in.
Chipping in cases of Coca-Cola, kegs of beer and other tangible resources, Kim added that he, along with other small local businesses, stay connected in group chats to pat each other on the back for "moral support" and stay informed of news updates concerning Itaewon.
For instance, when the government announces new curfew and social distancing policies for businesses in the area, Kim said he uses the platform to be on the same page as others on following its regulations properly.
But bonding to keep the community of small businesses, regular patrons and residents intact has not always come to fruition, especially in attempts to organize large-scale events during the pandemic.
"Last year I proposed something to promote more of a street presence for bringing stores and tables outside," he said. "But again, everyone is on edge about the optics. We're trying to get more customers, but if you're promoting a party atmosphere, you can get slapped down pretty hard."
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| A view of the now closed Linus BBQ and Chicken in Haebangchon, before the pandemic / Courtesy of Linus Kim |
Fighting to stay afloat remains a top priority for many food and beverage businesses, including Kim's.
Staying afloat might entail a restaurant laying off or furloughing a good portion of its workforce, draining a fund intended for further expansion or closing down a branch that once had a healthy business plan.
But despite these sacrifices, Kim remains optimistic about Itaewon and HBC.
With his spare ribs, pulled pork and briskets already being shipped in vacuum-sealed packs nationwide through Naver Smart Store and Convenii, Kim remains hungry for new ventures, once the pandemic dies out for good.
"I'm really looking forward to good things happening in HBC," he said. "We just have to ride this out, and I'm hoping to expand the business to be more of a significant national brand in packaged goods."
A GoFundMe fundraiser to help save Kim's restaurant business has raised almost $60,000 so far, and YouTube channel Asian Boss made an impassioned appeal for support, as community members rallied to save a beloved neighborhood institution. Visit gofundme.com/SaveLinusBBQ or fb.com/LinusBBQ for more information.
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