Memphis Seoul: Where Southern Comfort Meets Korean Spice
Discover Memphis Seoul, where Southern soul food meets bold Korean flavors. From bao buns and spicy ramen mac and cheese to tender pulled pork, Memphis Seoul redefines comfort food with a unique fusion twist. Explore a menu crafted entirely from scratch, blending the best of two culinary worlds.
At first glance, Southern soul food and Korean cuisine might seem worlds apart. But at Memphis Seoul, these two traditions come together in a fusion that’s as comforting as it is unexpected. Think fluffy bao buns filled with tender pulled pork, spicy cornbread infused with Korean flavors, and ramen mac and cheese that brings a whole new twist to a classic dish.
For Bart, the visionary behind Memphis Seoul, this unique pairing isn’t just about food—it’s about reimagining what comfort can taste like. “We like to say it’s uniquely familiar,” he shares. “Everybody knows cornbread, but have you ever had Korean cornbread?”
What began as a creative spark—a simple idea that Southern flavors and Korean heat could complement each other—has grown into a one-of-a-kind dining experience with a loyal following.
From Smorgasburg Rejection to a Culinary Triumph
Bart’s journey to opening Memphis Seoul didn’t follow the traditional path. After a long career in journalism covering everything from Major League Baseball to the NFL, Bart found himself at a crossroads. “I like to cook, and you know how some people have this little lark in the back of their mind of opening a restaurant? That was me,” he says.
Drawing on his Dallas roots and love for Southern cooking—what he calls soul food—Bart began experimenting with a fresh idea. Korean flavors were having a moment, but as he noticed, they were primarily fused with Mexican dishes. “I couldn’t understand why I’d never seen Korean food mixed with Southern cuisine. The two are perfect together—fried chicken, cornbread, big, bold flavors. It just clicked.”
The concept was born, and Bart had the perfect name: Memphis Seoul—a clever nod to both Memphis soul music and the vibrant flavors of Seoul, Korea. But his first big pitch at Smorgasburg, New York’s premier outdoor food festival, ended in rejection. “They said I was too new, that I didn’t have enough experience. But I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”
Instead, Bart brought Memphis Seoul to smaller food festivals, where the buzz around his unique dishes began to grow. By January 2019, he opened his first restaurant and has never looked back.
Signature Dishes: What to Try at Memphis Seoul
Memphis Seoul’s menu reflects Bart’s creative flair, featuring dishes that feel both familiar and brand new.
Bao Buns – These fluffy buns filled with Southern-style proteins are the clear fan favorite. Whether stuffed with pulled pork or Korean fried chicken, they’re packed with flavor and impossible to resist.
Y’all Pick Three Sampler – Can’t decide? This option lets you mix and match proteins and sides, perfect for first-timers.
Ramen and Cheese – Bart’s playful twist on mac and cheese replaces traditional noodles with ramen and adds a hint of Korean spice. It’s savory, spicy, and consistently delights customers.
Korean-Style Rice Bowls – Inspired by bibimbap, these hearty bowls are topped with proteins, fresh vegetables, and a fried egg for that perfect finishing touch.
Bart’s personal favorite, however, is the pulled pork sandwich, a tribute to his Southern roots. “Memphis is the home of pulled pork. That’s where it all started for me,” he says.
Everything on the menu is made from scratch, down to the sauces. “We don’t buy anything premade except rice and tater tots. Every single thing is from my brain and my tiny kitchen,” Bart proudly shares.
Making an Impact Beyond the Menu
Memphis Seoul isn’t just about serving great food—it’s also about serving the community. Bart takes pride in Memphis Seoul being one of the first restaurants in New York State to accept EBT SNAP payments, a program that supports food security for families in need. Soon, they’ll expand this initiative to include EBT delivery, a move Bart believes will make an even bigger impact.
“We’re proud to be part of that government initiative. Everyone deserves access to quality, homemade food,” he says.
What’s Next for Memphis Seoul?
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After an attempt to open a second location in Manhattan was derailed by landlord issues, Bart has refocused on building what’s next for the brand. He’s excited about Memphis Seoul’s growing corporate catering success and the restaurant’s newfound attention from major food media.
“The Food Network reached out about being on The Great American Food Truck Race with Tyler Florence,” Bart shares. He’s also in talks to appear on Barbecue Brawl with Bobby Flay. “It feels like we’re on the Food Network’s radar now, so who knows what possibilities are ahead?”
Looking to the future, Bart envisions expanding Memphis Seoul beyond New York. “New York is the toughest market in the world. I’d love to take this concept to cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, or Columbus, where fast-casual restaurants thrive. I think that’s where Memphis Seoul could really shine.”