Embedded Files
Jamie Jeong: The heart and soul behind Banchan Korean Restaurant in Parkmore.
Jamie Jeong, owner of Banchan Korean Restaurant in Parkmore, has brought a unique dining experience to the neighbourhood with her authentic Korean cuisine. As a prominent figure in the local business community, Jamie’s passion for food and culture has not only enriched Parkmore’s culinary scene but also connected residents through shared experiences. We’re excited to learn more about her journey and what makes her business thrive in this vibrant suburb.
PCA: What inspired you to open Banchan Korean Restaurant in Parkmore?
Jamie: My family has called Parkmore home since 2013. Several years ago, we operated a Korean chicken joint in a few locations. Living in Parkmore, we noticed a lack of authentic Asian restaurants in Sandton, which inspired us to open Banchan in 2016. We realized that many Korean restaurants primarily catered to the Korean community, so we wanted to introduce and share the richness of Korean cuisine with the broader local community.
PCA: As a business owner, what challenges have you faced in running a restaurant, and how have you overcome them, particularly in a suburb like Parkmore?
Jamie: Coming from a background in Environmental Studies and Zoology at Wits, my transition into the hospitality industry was challenging! Much of what I learned came from trial and error. Completing a course in restaurant management at UCT significantly helped. While Parkmore offers great accessibility, it also brings security challenges. However, the increased involvement of the Parkmore Community Association, the 24/7 Security presence, and measures like boom gates and street closures during certain hours have greatly improved safety over the years.
PCA: How do you incorporate your cultural heritage into the menu and atmosphere at Banchan, and what’s your favourite dish to serve?
Jamie: Our menu is thoughtfully crafted to showcase both traditional and modern Korean dishes, highlighting the diverse aspects of Korean cuisine. My personal favourite—and my baby’s favourite, too—is our Korean Fried Chicken with a spicy sweet sauce!
PCA: How important is it to you to create connections with local residents and businesses?
Jamie: It’s incredibly important! One of our greatest challenges was during the COVID lockdown, when sales plummeted and support was scarce. To reach out, we distributed flyers to all the homes in Parkmore and surrounding areas. The community’s support during that time was overwhelming and instrumental in our survival.
PCA: As a business member of the Parkmore Community Association (PCA), would you recommend other local businesses join as well, and if so, why?
Jamie: Absolutely! As a PCA member, I have greatly benefited from the association’s programs, including WhatsApp updates and informative sessions. It fosters a sense of belonging among business owners, and I believe we can achieve so much more when we come together as a community.
PCA: What is your vision for Parkmore?
Jamie: One of Parkmore’s greatest strengths is its accessibility and proximity to the heart of Sandton. My vision is to create a vibrant, family-friendly neighbourhood where everyone feels welcome.
PCA: What future plans or new offerings do you have for Banchan, and how do you see your restaurant growing within Parkmore in the coming years?
Jamie: Currently, our restaurant is quite small, and we’ve been eager to expand. Fortunately, we’ve found the perfect new location (still in Parkmore) and will be moving there in November. This space offers various areas, including a garden, a glass-roofed courtyard, and a café. We hope it will become a go-to spot for the community, where neighbours can relax and enjoy time with friends and family. And, stay tuned — I'll have some exciting news to share in November!
PCA: Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your story with us and for being such an integral part of the Parkmore community. We’re excited to hear about Banchan’s big announcement coming in November and wish you all the best in your future endeavours!
Stay up to date with Banchan Korean Restaurant by visiting their website and following them on Facebook and Instagram. For reservations, contact the restaurant at 072-913-3269 or 011-883-0020.
👉 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER, SAFER PARKMORE
👉 WORKING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER, SAFER PARKMORE
Suburb Manager - Lori Klein: manager@parkmore.org.za | 081 777 0477
PCA Membership - Coll Evans: members@parkmore.org.za | 082 896 3547
PCA Financial Administrator - Kim Le Roux: assistant@parkmore.org.za
👉 24/7 SECURITY:
011 444 2237 | info@24-7security.co.za
Report abuse