Behind the Scenes with Roosterspin
We sat down with the owner of Roosterspin Mihae Cho, the former NYC pharmacist turned restaurateur, to learn more about her incredible journey and the story behind Roosterspin.
When you think of New Brunswick, New Jersey the first thing that comes to mind is probably Rutgers University, not great Korean fusion food. However, when you ask locals their favorite food, Roosterspin, a karaoke cocktail bar, is probably going to be at the top of that list. But hey, don’t take our word for it– you can read the hundreds of 5-star reviews praising the New Brunswick establishment. As one diner put it, “Didn’t expect some of the best Korean food I’ve ever had to be randomly in New Jersey, but here we are!” We had the pleasure of sitting down with Mihae, the former NYC pharmacist turned restaurateur, to learn more about her incredible journey and the story behind Roosterspin.
We’d love to learn your story, how you joined the restaurant industry, and what inspired you to start Roosterspin?
"Originally, I started this venture back in New York City in 2006. I was a pharmacist in NYC and met my now ex-husband. We visited Korea and tried amazing Korean fried chicken, and we wanted to bring it back to the States. We started on 5th Avenue and 32nd Street and expanded to East Village with Mono + Mono. At one point, we had a huge fire in the East Village and decided to move to Jersey while rebuilding the restaurant in the city. We felt like we could bring NYC out here. Eventually, we found New Brunswick and wanted to bring back a NYC-style lounge with nice booths, especially in a college town.”
Tell us about Roosterspin. How do you define the concept of your restaurant?
Roosterspin welcomes everyone to explore Korean cuisine, whether you’re a first-timer or a longtime fan. Mihae has thoughtfully curated the menu to include familiar favorites like burgers and fries, each with a unique Korean twist.
"Roosterspin is a fusion of Korean cuisine and a lively nightlife atmosphere. Our signature dish is the Double Fried Korean Chicken, which takes about 30 minutes to prepare and involves hand-brushing each piece with sauce. We also have a fusion menu that includes familiar dishes with a Korean twist, like kimchi-infused salmon. Additionally, our vinyl collection sets the vibe, with DJs playing jazz in Westville and a mix of genres in New Brunswick."
Can you share a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day running Roosterspin?
"Every day is different. I write menus seasonally and ensure that the food quality is consistent across both locations. We have a great staff, so I don’t need to be in the kitchen all the time, but I do come in and make sure that everything is good. I like to keep the consistency, so I do visit all the time and try different menus to make sure they are all the same between the two restaurants."
What makes Roosterspin special?
"Our approach to the Double Fried Korean Chicken is unique. It’s not greasy and is really juicy on the inside. The technique involves a lot of labor, but everyone says it’s worth the wait. We wanted to create something that feels familiar yet has a distinct Korean touch. Everything on the menu is something everyone has tried before, like burgers and fries, but with a unique twist."
Roosterspin is known for their unique cocktails, can you tell us what makes them so special?
Mihae partnered with renowned Pamela Witznitzer, national president of the U.S. Bartender’s Guild, and Luis Hernandez, infamous mixologist at Seamstress in Manhattan, to create their visit-worthy cocktail menu.
"We started the bar with a popular NYC mixologist. We don’t use any syrups; everything is house-made and infused with fresh juice. Our bartenders put a lot of effort into creating fresh and unique cocktails. We’ve recently introduced new summer cocktails that have been very popular."
Do you have any unique offerings that set you apart from other restaurants?
Roosterspin boasts Mihae’s personal vinyl record collection that is made up of over 7,000 records that DJ’s use throughout the week and weekend.
"Our unique offering is the combination of high-quality Korean cuisine with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. The vinyl collection and live DJ sets create a unique dining experience that is hard to find elsewhere."
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a restaurateur?
"Meeting great people, including our supportive customers, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s also rewarding to offer something fun and unique to people who love Roosterspin."
What advice would you give to aspiring restaurateurs?
"Stay dedicated and passionate about your vision. Building a restaurant is challenging, but the support and connections you make along the way are invaluable."
How does being located near a college campus influence your menu and overall business?
"The college campus influences our business significantly. Our staff includes many college students, and the proximity to the campus brings in a lot of young customers who enjoy our karaoke and lively atmosphere."
What’s next for you and Roosterspin?
"We are preparing for the new Helix development in New Brunswick. Our goal is to ensure that Roosterspin remains a strong and integral part of the community, ready to welcome new guests as the area grows."
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