Staffing
SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen hires former Starbucks, Chipotle leaders
October 23, 2025
SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen, a Washington, D.C.-based fast casual chain, announced a significant expansion of its c-suite and executive team today, welcoming former executives from Starbucks, Sweetgreen, Chipotle and ButcherBox.
The executive additions follow a recent investment from Invus, through Artal, which has spurred the company's rapid growth, according to a press release.
Founded in 2016 by Eric Shin, who also serves as principal percussionist for the National Symphony Orchestra, SeoulSpice operates 10 locations, with eight in the Washington-D.C. metro area and two in Chicago. Several locations, including in Chicago's Wicker Park and Willis Tower, are planned.
"For SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen to become the category-defining Asian fast-casual restaurant chain, we needed to add top talent to our leadership roster," Shin said in the release. "Each member of our leadership team brings their experience in building leading brands in fast-casual dining and innovative food companies. They also share a passion for supporting and building top performing, passionate teams."
The executive appointments, joining in 2025, include:
- Audra Huelsman Zahn as president and chief operating officer. Zahn brings experience in global operations and talent development from leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies including Starbucks and Shake Shack. She most recently served as chief operating officer at La La Land Kind Café. She will oversee operations and talent strategy.
- Pamela Haber as chief development officer. Haber brings more than 15 years of experience in real estate strategy and development. She spent over nine years at Sweetgreen, where she served as senior director of real estate and development, helping scale the company's footprint from 40 to more than 270 stores nationwide. Haber will lead SeoulSpice's national expansion.
- Hannah DePaulis as vice president, marketing. DePaulis has 15 years of experience in quick-service restaurant and food retail marketing, including an eight-year tenure at Chipotle Mexican Grill in brand marketing roles. She will lead the company's marketing strategy as it expands its footprint.
- Felipe Martinez as vice president, finance. Martinez has experience at fast-growing brands like Tatte Bakery & Cafe and ButcherBox. He will focus on strengthening the company's financial foundation and supporting its continued expansion.
SeoulSpice is known for its scratch-made Korean dishes, which are based on Shin's family recipes. The restaurant's menu features house-marinated meats, fresh produce and handmade sauces.
