"So far, we've been growing every year; 2024 was a big hit. Rebounding from COVID, everyone was just so excited about going out and meeting people, having nice food and wine. They were splashing money. But 2025 is definitely challenging. This year, it's tough. Compared with last year, the revenue is not growing. Atoboy is turning nine years old, and Atomix is seven years old."
"But for some people, they're not on their list yet - it's, 'Let's go to this new place first, and then Atoboy maybe later.' In 2025, there's so many new restaurants; keeping up is not easy. At the same time, this industry is always about the people. We always meet amazing people through the restaurant, not only chefs and diners but other restaurant owners."
"Yeah, I definitely love the diversity in dining within a hospitality group like yours: a little fine dining, casual, and then your big space like Naro, which is still approachable, because of the location and the price point, where you have lunch and dinner."
Junghyun Park owns and serves as executive chef of Atoboy, Naro, Seoul Salon, and Atomix, with Atomix holding two Michelin stars and ranking No. 12 on the World's 50 Best list. Camari Mick is leaving her role at Raf's to open L'Atelier Ébène and previously worked at the Musket Room and Cafe Zaffri. Both chefs have earned accolades including Food & Wine's Best New Chef recognition and James Beard Award Foundation nominations, while Atomix won Outstanding Hospitality in 2025. Restaurant revenue rebounded strongly in 2024 after COVID but faces slowdown and increased competition in 2025, with community remaining central to hospitality.
Read at Eater
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