Today we’d like to introduce you to Skylar Kim.
Hi Skylar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in South Korea and came to the United States for my studies. In Korea, my family operated a second-generation Korean restaurant, exposing me to various aspects of restaurant management. My innate interest in food blossomed, and I inherited the art of crafting delightful flavors from my parents. The challenges of restaurant management are considerable, demanding attention to numerous visible and invisible facets. Consequently, my parents hesitated to relinquish the restaurant, leading me to pursue my desired major, environmental engineering, in the United States. Initially, I commenced my studies in Virginia to return to Korea. However, fate had other plans; I met my husband, got married, and decided to embark on a new life in the United States, preparing for immigration. I relocated from Virginia to Texas in 2015. After an adjustment period in Dallas, I settled in Austin in 2016. Starting a business in an unfamiliar environment posed significant difficulties, and I grappled with where to begin. Fortunately, a valuable opportunity arose to work as a support manager for Korean customers at Evernote, an American IT company. Over approximately five years in customer support, I learned to work with customers and anticipate their needs. These skills have proven instrumental in managing customer relations for my current business. In July 2023, the company underwent a merger, resulting in widespread layoffs, myself included. Though taken aback by the sudden change, I recognized it as an opportunity to launch my business. I diligently calculated the steps to take, considered locations, and assessed budgets. Through research, I discovered Cloud Kitchen, a shared kitchen concept, enabling me to start a new venture with limited funds. By September 2023, I signed a contract with Cloud Kitchen. I thank the Cloud Kitchen staff for their invaluable assistance throughout the process. I outlined the menu and fine-tuned the flavor profiles through practice, leaning on my husband’s expertise. With 20 years of culinary experience, he serves as the Banquet Sous Chef at the Hilton Austin Hotel. Although modest in scale, DosiROK(도시락) finally emerged in October 2023 after a month of preparation. With DosiROK, we aim to provide customers with a convenient and affordable means to savor delicious, balanced meals.
What is the DosiROK?
A “DosiROK” is a Korean packed or boxed meal, similar to a bento box. It typically consists of various dishes, such as rice, vegetables, proteins, and kimchi or other pickled items, all neatly arranged in a compartmentalized container. DosiROK meals are delicious and a significant part of Korean food culture, reflecting the importance of balanced nutrition and the value of home-cooked meals. It is a versatile and popular option for those looking for a satisfying and wholesome meal in Korea. Korean cuisine is generally healthy and is often served with various small side dishes, broth-based soups, and fermented kimchi. So, while thinking about gathering healthy food in one place and enjoying it all at once, I remembered the lunch box my mother used to make me every day when I went to school, and the current lunch box was born. Korean schools now have cafeterias, but previously, all students brought packed lunches to school. The biggest advantage of the lunch box is that a different side dish is provided daily when customers select the protein they want through the ordering app. DosiROK posts’ today’s menu’ on Instagram and encloses menu information with the food. Since this may be an unfamiliar side dish to customers, we started it to convey what it is. Also, when you go to another Korean restaurant, you can see the name and recognize that you have tried it before. I like Pork belly Kimchi stew(Kimchi Jjigae), and the combination of fermented kimchi and pork belly is the most delicious. The smell may be disgusting initially, but you will love it once you taste kimchi stew. Our ultimate goal is to create a meal kit using our recipes so that everyone can easily enjoy Korean food. It may take time, but I will do my best with confidence and honesty as I have done so far.
See you at the 도시락.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As foreigners, we double-checked every kitchen setup, starting from obtaining a business license, and were able to set it up successfully. This meticulous process allowed us to open the store smoothly without major problems. Additionally, my American friends contributed significantly to my drafting of documents, writing, and website development.
We’ve been impressed with DosiROK, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
A “DosiROK” is a Korean packed or boxed meal, similar to a bento box. It typically consists of various dishes, such as rice, vegetables, proteins, and kimchi or other pickled items, all neatly arranged in a compartmentalized container. DosiROK meals are delicious and a significant part of Korean food culture, reflecting the importance of balanced nutrition and the value of home-cooked meals.
At DosiROK, we believe in offering:
- “Authentic Flavors:” We take pride in using the finest ingredients and following traditional Korean recipes to ensure every box is a culinary masterpiece.
- “Variety and Balance:” Our menu features a selection of boxes, each carefully curated to provide a balanced and satisfying meal. Thus, we change our side dishes(BanChan) every day.
- “Quality and Freshness:” We source our ingredients locally whenever possible to ensure every dish’s highest quality and freshness.
- “Exceptional Service:” We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and making your dining experience enjoyable and memorable.
It is often partly due to others that we are where we are. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband, Sun, possesses approximately 20 years of culinary expertise and currently serves as the Banquet Sous Chef Manager at the Hilton Austin hotel, Built up Our Recipes. And my dear friend, Jansen Trahan. He double-checked every DosiROK document/web page before publishing and sending it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dosirokatx.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dosirok_austin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550562698138
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dosirok-austin
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Profile/DosiROK
Image Credits
* Food photo credits: Saturn Photography. * Skylar at DoisROK kitchen on opening day. * Sun & Skylar in Korea(N Seoul Tower): Visit Korea before launching DosiROK to be inspired by various cuisines and homemade foods
