A Korean steakhouse recognized for its offerings of “marinated meats and communal grilling experience” is expanding its footprint to bring its all-you-can-eat style to the capital.
Chow Won Korean Steakhouse has moved into space once occupied by Fusion Grill Buffet at 1107 Apalachee Parkway. It officially opens its doors at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
The Korean-style steakhouse is anchored in the Parkway Center, which continues to offer eclectic food offerings, including Indian-themed restaurant Essence of India, and the Mediterranean-themed Sahara Cafe, both near the new storefront.
The team says it is excited to introduce a greater dining experience with grills for guests to cook their food while seated at their tables — and robotic servers.
Anticipation continues to build, especially from Johnny Nguyen, general manager of the company’s operations, and brother-in-law of the founder, who shared his excitement with the Tallahassee Democrat.
Nguyen has been joined in the preparations by his nephew and operator of the Apalachee Parkway location, Evan Chen, 23, no stranger to the restaurant industry.
Chen and Nguyen have had their hand in the industry with their buffets, Chow Time, sprinkled throughout Florida, including Tallahassee, as well as the Chow Won restaurants.
Currently there are two Chow Won restaurants operating, with four more locations slated for Fort Lauderdale, Pensacola, Plantation, Florida and Alpharetta, Georgia.
Nguyen jokingly admits that he is “ready to retire” but excited to pass the torch to the next generation of restaurant owners in the family. The restaurant held its soft opening Feb. 16, serving as a training session for team members.
‘Real Korean barbeque’
Nguyen said he is excited with the responses so far and added that he is happy to offer a little of what’s missing in Tallahassee’s culinary scene, “real Korean barbeque.”
Visitors of the soft opening shared their experiences on Facebook. One person wrote, “Ate there last weekend. Beautiful place, fabulous food and great service. Truly a wonderful experience. Can’t wait to go back.”
The steakhouse offers a communal dining experience with three easy steps to follow: Choose your protein, choose your hot/cold sides and then get grilling at your table.
There are 26 proteins of steak, chicken, seafood and pork varieties, and 21 hot or cold sides. Entrées start at $31.99 for adults.
The 10,000-plus-square foot building is lined with large plush orange booths with hot skillets placed in between. Guests can also take a seat at the full-service bar.
Korean red and white wines, beer, sake and boba tea are available. There are also signature cocktails, including the “Dragon Bite”, a dragon fruit mixed drink that combines coconut rum, simple syrup, lemon-lime soda, lime wedges and mint leaves for $14.
Private rooms and VIP dining areas are available to accommodate parties ranging from 20 to 40 guests.
If you go
- Chow Won will operate Monday-Thursday, noon-10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon-12:30 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 10:30 p.m.
Kyla Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at ksanford@tallahassee.com.