Seoul native Brian Chong has brought his restaurant empire from L.A. to North Texas.
Chong’s first Carrollton restaurant was Ddong Ggo, a wing joint opened in 2017 that he says means “chicken butt.” He’s since sold the location, but not the concept, and says his brothers are planning to open more Ddong Ggos in the Dallas area this year. Next, he opened and sold Kurobuta Ramen & Tonkatsu. Following that was Iota Brew Cafe, which he closed and recently reopened as, a fast-casual Asian fried chicken spot that aims to leave customers in “a happy food coma.
At age 60, Chong is not slowing down: Another three concepts are in development for a city where he says he belongs and feels safe. Near the end of March, he’ll open a yakitori called Pochakaya, a Hanryu Brunch restaurant, and a Brian’s Roasted Coffee off Highway 121. He’s also concocting a Korean cooking academy, some new karaoke bars, and a couple of fast food restaurants.Texas isn’t the Seoul native’s first restaurant rodeo.
“We [Koreans] love food. We love sharing. We welcome everybody,” he says, adding that the main reason people visit South Korea is for the hospitable nature of its people. “I want everybody to feel welcome to Moodaepo,” which he says means stubborn, his nickname. “I give you a lot.” Chong is forthright that Texas is a more business-friendly state than his previous home. “Everything is reasonable: gas, labor, leasing, taxes, insurance. Everything. And it’s very safe.” He chooses Carrollton to live and open businesses over Dallas’ Old Koreatown,Chong takes pride in his home country he says is “going viral” now for K-pop bands like BTS, Blackpink, and Twice, along with leading technology companies like Samsung and LG. Korean barbecue is also a part of that.
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