Work Here?
Overview
SeoulSpice serves fast-casual Korean comfort food with a modern twist, focusing on Korean BBQ and rice bowls made from responsibly raised, gluten-free ingredients. The meals are prepared quickly for dine-in and takeout, with additional options for family feasts and catering. The brand differentiates itself by offering health-conscious options that maintain traditional Korean flavors while using gluten-free ingredients and a modern preparation style. Its goal is to nourish customers with flavorful, wholesome meals and provide a positive work environment with growth opportunities for employees.
About SeoulSpice
Industries
Food & Agriculture
Consumer Goods
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$10K
Headquarters
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Founded
2016
Get referred to SeoulSpice
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Invus funded expansion in 2025, then SeoulSpice hired four executives by October 2025.
- SeoulSpice opened Wicker Park on February 3, 2026, its third Chicago location.
- The company plans a Willis Tower opening later in 2026, boosting visibility.
What critics are saying
- Company-owned growth burns cash; one weak Chicago lease cycle damages liquidity fast.
- Eight-to-eleven-location expansion strains training, consistency, and service quality.
- Cava and Chipotle dominate bowls; SeoulSpice faces copycat pressure and margin compression.
What makes SeoulSpice unique
- SeoulSpice owns every store; Invus-backed expansion keeps control and economics centralized.
- Eric Shin pairs Korean comfort food with gluten-free, health-forward positioning.
- Chicago proved portability: SeoulSpice added three company stores in 2025-2026.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Funding
Total Funding
$10k
Above
Industry Average
Funded Over
1 Rounds
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid Vacation
Parental Leave
Meal Benefits
Training Programs
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↑ 29%1 year growth
↑ 29%2 year growth
↑ 29%D.C.-based fast-casual chain SeoulSpice is opening 3 restaurants in Chicago.
Seoulspice, a Korean fast-casual chain, is expanding nationally with new backing from The Invus Group LLC, a $10 billion investment fund. CEO Eric Shin announced the expansion, starting with three new locations in Chicago, which he will oversee this summer. Although the funding amount is undisclosed, Invus is known for backing Cava Group. Seoulspice will not franchise and plans to keep new locations under company ownership. Invus is also seeking more fast-casual restaurants to invest in.
COMCAST RISE INVESTMENT FUND PROVIDES $21 MILLION IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES HARDEST HIT BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Meanwhile, Korean mini-chain SeoulSpice is expanding to Virginia with its sixth location in the D.C. area opening on the ground floor of the International Place office building in Rosslyn at 1735 North Lynn Street.
The local fast casual chain SeoulSpice is opening a new location in Rosslyn at 1735 N. Lynn Street, on the ground floor of the International Place office building.
SeoulSpice is Hiring for 13 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
About SeoulSpice
Industries
Food & Agriculture
Consumer Goods
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
Grant
Total Funding
$10K
Headquarters
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Founded
2016
SeoulSpice is Hiring for 13 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today