Korean Fare Finds a Home in Cinnaminson

Local residents have yet another dining possibility with the recent opening of the bright and airy Sammy Chon’s KTown Express restaurant at the Shoppes of Cinnaminson.

The Asian eatery is the newest restaurant to open in Cinnaminson—at a pace of one a month— in a cozy space tucked between GameStop and 

 in October in the Shoppes at Cinnaminson. And across the highway,  in November in the Pep Boys Plaza.

For some, the prospect of opening up a restaurant can be stressful, producing anxiety, and the feeling that more needs to be done. But Chon said the endeavors in preparing his new restaurant have been very easy, and it’s been a pleasure moving into Cinnaminson.

“We are working out the kinks,” Chon said of the 36-seat room. “But so far I am pretty happy with the restaurant.”

Chon and his chefs are serving patrons healthy foods that are not too spicy, seasoned or predictable, and are a nod to his Korean heritage. 

For six years, Chon owned Korman Brothers, Inc. in Philadelphia, a membership-only warehouse club, where customers had to be retailers in order to purchase items.

“My dad wanted me to become a doctor,” the Cherry Hill resident said, whose father is a Presbyterian minister.

When the economy faltered, Korman Brothers took a hit, so Chon slowly dissolved the business. 

After scouting out locations, Chon saw the Shoppes at Cinnaminson as a fortuitous opportunity, with a prime location on Route 130 and close to a busy intersection. 

“Some people would think that being near Jersey Mike’s or Five Guys would be a bad idea,” said Chon, who has another restaurant in Cherry Hill. “I find it a positive because we are included in the rotation. People don’t want to eat the same thing everyday.”

Committeeman Anthony Minniti, township director of economic development, said that of the nearly 330,000 square feet at the Shoppes at Cinnaminson, approximately 290,000 square feet has been leased to date.

“Recently, we’ve had a great run with new activity in the township,” said Minniti. 

Nolan Aspell, proprietor of the  in front of the former Vanity Fair Outlet store—where  to occupy—said the business activity in Cinnaminson has been encouraging.

“Cinnaminson is becoming an exciting place to have a business,” said Aspell, whose drive-in with roller skating staff is slated to open during the first quarter of 2012.

Table favorites at KTown Express have been the burritos, tacos and rice bowls.

“I personally love our honey sesame chicken wings,” Chon said.

Prices are reasonable with tacos starting at $2.49 and meat entrees at $16.99.

Thus far, Chon has four employees and is searching for more.

“I’m looking for part-time and full-time help, who are enthusiastic about Korean food,” Chon said.

The restaurant opens at 11 a.m., with the kitchen closing at 9:45 p.m. daily.

“We are thinking of having a grand opening celebration after the new year,” Chon said. “And we will probably have some promotions and giveaways.”