Posted: Monday, June 16, 2008 12:00 am
The Kim's turned 3 popular dishes into two restaurants
By Steve Lathrop
Albany Democrat-Herald
Just to add a new twist to his Speedy Mart store in Sweet Home, Christian Kim decided to offer customers a tasty alternative. He wound up with a unique concept and ultimately, two restaurants.
Kim and his wife, Samantha, sold Speedy Mart and started Sam City Pho & Grill restaurant in Sweet Home in 2004. Last December they opened a second restaurant on Pacific Boulevard in Albany.
Quite a leap in a different direction.
By selling fresh Asian influenced food of their own creation at the Market the Kims had an instant hit.
"The items became really popular," says Kim. "We just took the next step."
The fried rice, chicken stir fry and chicken yakasoba dishes evolved into Sam City Pho & Grill and a menu of close to 70 items.
"It's a long way from three dishes," smiled Kim.
Providing what he calls Asian Fusion food, Kim has found his passion. Dishes from Korea, Japan, China and Vietnam along with an American menu feature the Kims' "mostly Korean influence."
"I have a sharp taste bud," he says. "I create and my wife produces. She is the backbone."
Attention to detail is important to Kim. A featured item is Pho (pronounced Fah). Popular around the world, the dish is starting to take hold here.
Friends in California taught the Kims the recipe.
"We took what we learned and added our own twist. Korean cooking is a little different. The emphasis is on taste and texture," said Kim. "I call it a modern Pho."
Pho is a beef broth simmered for 20 hours using multiple meat and bones for flavor. Rice and noodles are added. Garnishments include Thai basil, jalepeno and cilantro among others.
"We produce it every day. It is always fresh. We baby it," stressed Kim.
The dish has become an instant hit.
"It's popular faster than we expected," he says.
That is true of his entire menu. Kim says Sam City still relies heavily on its original items, inlcuding the three he carried over from Speedy Mart.
"They are still among our most popular," said Kim. "It's been exciting.
Our goal is to go above and beyond a typical restaurant."
Sam City, open for lunch and dinner, emphasizes presentation and cleanliness according to Kim.
"Our survival depends on it," he says.
Attention to detail seems to have paid off in increased customers.
"The word has spread. Albany has welcomed us with open arms," says Kim. "I think selling the store was a good move."