Food & Beverage

SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen expanding to Chicago

Photo: SeoulSpice

March 25, 2025

Washington D.C.-based SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen is expanding to Chicago, opening on March 31 at 20 N. Michigan Ave., across from Millennium Park and The Art Institute. Founded by Eric Shin, principal percussionist of the National Symphony Orchestra, SeoulSpice has grown to seven locations in Washington, D.C.

With a recent investment from Invus, through Artal, additional locations are planned throughout Chicago this spring and summer, alongside continued growth in the D.C. region.

"SeoulSpice is all about bold flavors and fresh ingredients, all in an experience that is fast, healthy and Korean at heart," Shin said in a company press release. "With Invus' support, we are thrilled to take SeoulSpice nationwide. We're actively scouting prime locations in the Chicago and Washington, D.C. metro areas to bring our signature Korean hospitality and crave-worthy comfort food to even more guests."

SeoulSpice's menu items are inspired by Shin's family recipes, passed down through generations, preserving authentic flavors and techniques that define Korean home cooking. Shin's grandfather owned a restaurant in Seoul, and after his parents immigrated to Atlanta in the 1970s, they opened one of the region's first Korean restaurants. The family's culinary traditions shape SeoulSpice's approach, pairing bold flavors with warm hospitality. Signature dishes include marinated bulgogi beef, spicy pork and house-made kimchi.

The Invus Group, as investment adviser to Artal, is a global equity investment firm backed by long-term committed capital, operating out of offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia.