Behind the Scenes with HanJan Pocha
An Interview with Jamie, co-owner of HanJan Pocha.
HanJan Pocha is a fresh addition to Ann Arbor’s thriving food scene, offering a unique Korean pocha experience—an authentic taste of Korean street food culture. As the only pocha in Ann Arbor, it has quickly gained popularity for its flavorful dishes and social dining atmosphere. We sat down with one of the co-owners, Jamie, to learn more about her journey into the restaurant industry, the inspiration behind HanJan Pocha, and what’s next for this exciting new spot.
How did you first get involved in the restaurant industry?
Both my husband and I have been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. My husband is a master sushi chef, and his brother, who works with us, specializes in Korean cuisine. I’ve always focused on the management side of things—marketing, web design, accounting—while my husband takes care of the culinary side. We’ve owned other restaurants before, including a sushi spot in Michigan that we just sold to focus on HanJan Pocha and bring this Korean concept to life.
Why did you choose to open in Ann Arbor?
I’m originally from Michigan, and Ann Arbor felt like a natural fit for us. Ann Arbor already has plenty of great restaurants, so we wanted to bring something different to the city. We’d been thinking about opening a Korean pocha for a while, and the timing just worked out. There’s only one other pocha in Michigan, and we felt this concept would really resonate with the foodie community in Ann Arbor.
Tell us about your menu — what are the most popular items? What are you known for?
A: One of our most popular dishes is the pork feet (jokbal). It’s not something you commonly see in Michigan, but we slow-roast and marinate it to perfection, and people just love it. We sell out almost every day. We even had someone drive up from Toledo last week to get it.
Another favorite is our sashimi platters. My husband specialized in omakase and we only buy the freshest fish for Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s a big hit with our customers.
What’s your favorite dish?
My personal favorite has to be the kimchi pancakes. I could eat them all day—they’re just that good! It’s one of the first Korean dishes I tried when I lived in Korea, and it’s been a favorite ever since.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a restaurateur?
It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how our food resonates with people, especially those who miss a taste of home. We’ve had Korean graduate students and older Korean patrons come in and tell us how much the food reminds them of home, and that means a lot to us. It's amazing to create a space where people feel a connection to their culture through food. Seeing our customers enjoy the experience we’ve worked so hard to create is incredibly fulfilling.
What advice would you give to aspiring restaurateurs?
I’d say, don’t view other restaurants as competition. Instead, build relationships with the restaurants around you. There’s so much you can learn from each other, and the more great restaurants in an area, the more customers will come to check out the dining scene. Be open, supportive, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or mentorship from other restaurant owners. It’s a tough business, but if you love what you do, it’s worth it.
What’s next for HanJan Pocha?
We’re really excited about what’s coming next. We have a new winter menu rolling out soon, with new food and drink options. Beyond that, we’re always looking for ways to improve the experience for our customers, and we’re excited to continue growing and evolving.
————————————————————————————————
HanJan Pocha continues to delight Ann Arbor with its authentic Korean street food, and with new menu items and concepts on the horizon, it’s clear this restaurant has much more to offer. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, HanJan Pocha is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy delicious Korean street food.