Have you tried Grand Rapids' original Korean BBQ yet?
We caught up with "Oma" Myong Sun Yoon Holloway, co-owner of K-Rok AYCE Korean BBQ and Karaoke Restaurant, to hear more about growing up in Korea, how her culture has influenced her approach to food today, advice for other immigrant women hoping to start their own business and more.
What role did food play in your life growing up in Korea?
My love for food and cooking began when my mother died when I was 7 years old, and I had to take responsibility for feeding my family of eight siblings and my father. We had to cook from a rock stove with wood for the fire; learning from the basics and learning old school, traditional ways of cooking. I call it "Korean Seoul Food." I always say that you have to cook with love or the food will not taste good.
All the knowledge of cooking and farming at a young age was a wakeup call, and I thought to use the knowledge to make a business when I came to the United States.
How do your roots and heritage influence the way you run your restaurant today?
Growing up on a farm with goats, chickens, cows, and working the rice patties is no joke. I learned that hard work, getting up early, having a consistent taste and fresh ingredients—and of course a lot of love—make a great meal.
After owning and operating a number of spots around the state, what is it that brought you to Grand Rapids?
We are the pioneers or "Original Korean BBQ" in Grand Rapids. We are actually the first Korean BBQ to use infrared grills in Michigan when we implemented them in at East Lansing. We knew we had a great product and the opportunity to bring or enrich the Korean culture in Grand Rapids.
How would you describe the Korean BBQ experience to someone who's never tried it?
Korean BBQ is as much a social event as it is a meal. You sit around a table with a built-in grill, and everyone cooks their own portions of marinated meat—like bulgogi (sweet soy-marinated beef) or galbi (short ribs)—right at the table. It's interactive and communal, with friends or family sharing the cooking duties, passing tongs around, and helping each other grill everything just right.
The meal comes with a wide spread of banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, and seasoned vegetables, which are meant to be shared. You usually wrap your grilled meat in lettuce with rice, garlic, and a spicy-salty paste called ssamjang, creating your own little flavor-packed bite.
It's a fun, lively experience where eating and conversation blend together, making it perfect for bonding over good food.
What dishes are you most excited for diners to try during their first visit to K-Rok?
The AYCE Korean BBQ AND Street Food Buffet: Galbi (soy, slightly sweet, savory, garlic marinated beef short ribs); Bulgogi (shaved ribeye marinated in a soy, slightly sweet, savory, garlic sauce); Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken Wings; Soy Garlic Korean Chicken Wings; and Bing Soo Dessert.
What advice would you give to other immigrant women hoping to start their own business?
Leverage Your Unique Perspective: Your background, culture and experiences are strengths. They can help you identify underserved markets or create products and services that reflect a diverse world view.
Start Small and Test: Begin with what you know and what you can manage. Many successful businesses started as side hustles or from home. Test your idea in small ways—through online platforms, pop-ups or a local market.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who understand your goals. Look for immigrant entrepreneur groups, women's business networks or local chambers of commerce. These communities can offer mentorship, advice, and encouragement.
Seek Out Grants and Funding: Look for programs and grants specifically for women, minorities and immigrant entrepreneurs. Nonprofits, government programs, and even corporations offer funding and support.
Don't Let Language Hold You Back: If English isn't your first language, that's OK. Many customers appreciate authenticity over perfection. Still, improving your communication skills—especially in business contexts—can give you more confidence and flexibility.
Believe in Yourself: You may face doubt—sometimes from others, sometimes from within. Remember: your ambition is valid, and your journey matters. Progress may be slow, but every step counts.
Visit K-Rok AYCE Korean BBQ and Karaoke Restaurant at 169 Louis Campau Promenade NW suite 1A in downtown Grand Rapids.
Edited by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
