Story & Lesson Highlights with Michelle Kang of Koreatown

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Kang. Check out our conversation below.

Michelle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently started teaching myself ceramics as a outside work hobby and have been enjoying it immensely.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Michelle I am the General Manager of Bulgogi Hut All You Can Eat Korean BBQ located in Koreatown Los Angeles. I have been working at this restaurant for 8 years now. Bulgogi Hut is a family owned restaurant that started in 2014. We are known for our fast friendly service and fun lively atmosphere.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me how to work and how to manage others and motivate them to work as well. They taught me that if I am the manager/owner than the employees are my responsibility. Any mistakes made by my staff is a reflection of my leadership ability. It is my responsibility to come up with solutions when problems arise and make sure my employees feel comfortable speaking to me about any problems they may have. I should always take initiative to make my workplace a better environment for myself and for my employees.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course there were many times I felt like giving up and sometimes that feeling still pops up when I have a particularly stressful day. During COVID there were times I didn’t know how long we could sustain the business for and my employees would look to me for answers on what was going on but I wouldn’t have any answers for them. I would work 12-16 hour days, sometimes weeks or months straight, watching over employees while we were take-out only and then going home to do computer work, update on marketing or adding more delivery platforms to our restaurant. But there’s nothing you can do but keep working, and try to find a balance to take care of yourself as well.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
You don’t always get to do what you want in life. I think people focus too much on wants instead of focusing on their needs. They ignore their practical needs like budgeting, saving money, making hard choices to say no to something you want so you can plan for something bigger in longterm and focus more on their quick wants and needs.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I guess saving and budgeting is the only thing I am currently doing that is something I won’t benefit from until I am closer to retiring age. I am actively making choices to say no to things I want now, so that my future can be more secure because you really never know what’s going to happen in the future and the best you can do is try to be as prepared as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bulgogihut.com/
• Instagram: @bulgogihut
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kang-a1b08692/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bulgogi-hut-los-angeles-3?osq=bulgogi+hut
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ex4hR8uV3Bg