The story: Korean BBQ is headed to Arlington. KQ Bistro, which calls itself “The Seoul of Arlington,” says it’s coming soon to town, according to the restaurant’s website.
Where: 6011 Airline Road, Suite 101, Arlington, TN 38002.
When: TBD. The website lists the opening date as “to be announced.” We’ll update you when there’s a confirmed date.
What’s on the menu: The site promises Korean BBQ and kimchi, with photos of a platter of short ribs, rice, and kimchi. Exact menu and prices haven’t been posted yet.
Who’s behind it: Chef Sherry Rollins. If the name rings a bell, she was on the cover of Memphis Health+Fitness magazine’s Food Issue in April 2021. In that interview, Rollins said she was born in Seoul and that her mother is from South Korea, which is why her food leans heavily on Korean flavors.
How it started: Per that 2021 story, KQ Bistro began as a seasoning business. It grew out of her daughter’s after-school project on food waste, when the family started dehydrating older onions and kimchi into herbs and salts. By 2018, Rollins was making products at the Delta Cuisine commercial kitchen and business incubator at Arkansas State University. KQ Bistro has sold items like kimchi salt, soy salt, vegan kimchi, and beef jerky online. Back then, she told the magazine she hoped to open a storefront in Arlington and use a smoker to perfect Korean ribs. Now that plan looks like it’s getting closer.
Want in early? The restaurant says a Kickstarter campaign is “launching soon,” and you can sign up on its website for opening-date news by email or text.
Sources: KQ Bistro, Memphis Health+Fitness (April 2021).
Photo: KQ Bistro
