Chae Modern Korean, a new Korean restaurant and bar, will open in the old Rehearsal’s Grill building west of campus at the beginning of October.
Daniel Chae, who also owns All About Cha Stylish Tea and Coffee, 7300 N. Western Ave., owns the restaurant. It will accept StarsCash, use both patios for seating and employ OCU students. The multiple TV screens will show sports games and other entertainment.
“We want our restaurant to be a destination to relax and hang out after students get their hard work done,” Chae said. “We want to be a catalyst to support the community and bring more positive attention to the Uptown 23rd Street area.”
While Rehearsal’s was in business, OCU owned the land and Sodexo managed the restaurant. OCU’s Methodist affiliation made the sale of alcohol impossible and, eventually, Rehearsal’s closed.
In July, Chae finalized the land purchase, paying $300,000 for the property and building.
“When I went to All About Cha for the first time, I returned every day that week,” said Abigail Lafont, acting sophomore. “It’s so far away though. I am screaming inside with excitement that the same people are starting a venue so close to us.”
The restaurant will provide a fusion of Korean and American and the bar will be stocked with local beers and specialized cocktails.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, staying open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
“I think it will be a pretty cool and new opportunity for students to have somewhere new to hang out at,” said Joel Hall, mass communications sophomore. “It’s going to be really exciting”
To apply for a job at Chae Modern Korean, email Chae at chaeokc@gmail.com, or stop by the building to fill out an application.
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