One of the most highly regarded restaurants in Los Angeles has closed, though owners told the Los Angeles Times that this isn’t the end of the story.
Yangban, the Korean restaurant in the Arts District, temporarily closed in December for renovations, but owners Katianna and John Hong said Wednesday that they won’t reopen this spring as expected.
“A representative for the restaurant told The Times that the Hongs plan to relaunch Yangban elsewhere and are currently searching for a new location in Los Angeles,” the Times reports.
The decision comes amid Katianna Hong’s appearance on this season of “Top Chef,” in which she continues to compete in the Canada-set challenge.
The exact reason for the closing of the Arts District location hasn’t been released. In a statement on the restaurant’s Instagram page, the Hongs explained that “our time in this space was filled with meaningful moments, creative growth, and the unwavering support of our community.”
“While this moment marks a shift, it’s also the beginning of something new,” the Hongs added. “After more than five years in Los Angeles, we’ve had the chance to really live in this city — to explore, connect, and be inspired by the people and places around us. We’ve also had the opportunity to step away, to travel, and to reflect on how we want to grow creatively.
“We’re in the midst of exploring new possibilities — fresh ideas, new spaces, and thoughtful ways to continue sharing our food and stories,” the statement added. “Stay tuned – we can’t wait to share with you what’s next. Thank you for being part of our journey!”
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