Interview with Mr Chris Chew, Co-Founder of I’m KIM Korean BBQ

I’m KIM Korean BBQ is a popular Korean BBQ joint at School Of The Arts (SOTA) along Zubir Said Drive (Singapore). Since its opening in September, it has been drawing throngs of customers due to its super affordable and delicious Korean BBQ buffet.

Read our full review: http://www.eatandtravelwithus.com/2014/10/im-kim-korean-bbq-sota/.

From left: Raevian, Evans, Chris Chew

We were fortunate enough to get an interview with the restaurant co-founder, Mr Chris Chew.

This serial entrepreneur also happens to be the co-founder of 77th Street, a company that runs seven fashion outlets in Singapore, one shopping mall in China, and wholesale distributors in Malaysia, Indonesia and India!

Despite his stature, Mr Chew has no airs about him at all. Our interactions with him gave us the impression that he is a very humble man who is grateful for all his success. He was also very witty and approachable and we had a fun time talking to him.

It was definitely a humbling and inspiring experience for us. Read on to find out more about this successful businessman and his latest F&B business venture.

1. Tell our readers briefly about I’m KIM Korean BBQ.
I’m Kim Korean BBQ is one of several investments of retail fashion chain group 77th Street.

2. Why did you decide to start a Korean BBQ joint in Singapore?
We were looking for business opportunities in the F&B industry when a Korean friend whom we fondly called Mr Kim encouraged us to invest in a Korean BBQ restaurant and thus the name of the restaurant.

3. Where do you see the business in five years?
Our objective is to make our dishes the most delicious and we are constantly tweaking our recipes to achieve this objective. With offerings of delicious food at affordable prices, we believe we can expand I’m Kim to various localities in Singapore as well as the region to better service our food-loving customers.

4. What is your business’ Mission Statement?
Most Delicious Food At Affordable Prices.

5. Where do you see I’m KIM’s next growth opportunity? Any plans in the pipeline?
I’m Kim is still very young, almost 3 months old at this moment. We will open up in other areas once we develop a strong customer base foundation.

6. What is the biggest challenge you face in your business?
To strike a balance to cater to varying taste buds. For example, for the same dish, someone will say it is too spicy and another person will say it is not spicy enough. So we have to find a balance that can appeal to most people.

7. There are many rave reviews online about your restaurant. To what do you attribute your success?
The obsessive compulsion to keep on improving on our food and service quality.

8. What is unique about your business?
The very wonderful and overwhelming support of our customers and supporters that has built up so rapidly. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of them.

9. How do you spend your free time? What are some of your hobbies?
Hitting the gym to burn off some calories from all the eating and occasionally jamming with bands at some pubs.

10. Can you leave us with a quote today?
Being grateful for every little thing and life will be full of happy little thrills.

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Thank you Mr Chris Chew for being an inspiration to all aspiring entrepreneurs!

Remember to make reservations at +65 6238 7218 before you visit this hugely-popular restaurant to avoid disappointment!

I’m KIM Korean BBQ
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, School of The Arts (SOTA)
#01-04/05/06/07, Singapore 227968
Telephone: +65 6238 7218
Website (redirects to Facebook page): http://www.imkim.sg/

Buffet Price and Opening Hours
Lunch
Mon to Fri (11.30am-2.30pm): Adult $14++ Child $9++
Weekends & PH (11.30am-5pm): Adult $24++ Child $18++
Dinner
Mon to Thur (5pm-11pm): Adult $22++ Child: $18++
Fri to Sun, PH & PH eve (5pm-11pm): Adult $24++ Child $18++

Check out this video to find out why we love eating at I’m KIM Korean BBQ! *Best watched in HD!*