"It was starting to become this thing that maybe wasn't the restaurant that I was trying to shape it into. Over time, the neighborhood evolved one way, I evolved one way and the restaurant evolved one way. And the visions weren't really aligned."
The Stagecoach established itself as a welcoming rest stop on the Chisholm Trail for weary travelers over 160 years ago and that southern hospitality continues today.
The Seal Rock Inn Restaurant, reopened under new ownership, offers a French twist to classic diner dishes while boasting an unbeatable location near the Pacific.
Award-winning designer Jon de la Cruz emphasized that his renovation of Park Tavern was not a complete redesign but rather a restoration of its "evergreen origins," enhancing its classic appeal while injecting a modern flair.
"The hope is that this building tells the story of family, and this building tells the story of an immigrant journey and this building tells the story of an American dream," said Andrea Cherng, chief brand officer for the company and daughter of co-founders Andrew and Peggy Cherng. This reflects the restaurant's deep connection to its heritage and the encompassing narrative of its founders.
Daniel Park, the owner, says, 'When we launched, although we thought the food was excellent, we felt like it never really captured our identity.' He emphasizes that the change in management will allow for a reinvention that aligns more closely with his vision for Intercrew. Park is determined to create a space that serves as a cultural hub, embodying the evolution of Koreatown, and he believes that this new direction will resonate with the community.
The reopening of Bar Asha comes after a brief closure that allowed for the introduction of a new Pacific Northwest-Indian menu, aiming to blend diverse culinary traditions.