Jason Cho reflects on his journey as a restaurateur, balancing his family’s legacy with a deep connection to Korean cuisine.
A Family Dream Turned Legacy
Jason Cho’s original vision for his Korean fusion restaurant, Dak & Bop, was deeply personal. His goal was to help his father retire by building a successful eatery together. However, when his father passed away before construction even began, Cho found himself reevaluating his motivations.
What started as a family dream shifted into something much larger. Through his faith, Cho gained a broader perspective. He realized that his mission was not only to support his family but also to represent Houston’s Korean community and celebrate their culture through food.
“I live by a mantra: you have to do it because failure is the audition to success,” Cho said. “I’d rather try and fail than have doubts about why I didn’t try.”
The Birth of Dak & Bop
When Dak & Bop first opened its doors in 2014, it stood as one of the first Korean fusion restaurants in the Greater Houston area. Located in the Museum District, it was one of the few unique dining options at the time, serving up Korean-inspired dishes with a modern twist.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes. In 2021, Cho made the difficult decision not to renew the lease for the original Dak & Bop on Binz Street due to the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.
In the meantime, he launched another location in Tanglewood, fusing Korean and Italian cuisine. While this new venture showed promise, it eventually closed in late 2023 as Cho decided to refocus on revitalizing the original Dak & Bop space. “There’s a place in my heart for this spot because they’re the ones who gave me a chance,” Cho said.
Revitalizing Korean Cuisine
Dak & Bop has undergone a significant transformation since its reopening in February. Now, the restaurant seamlessly blends Korean, Italian, and Latin flavors, while also adding traditional Korean dishes to the menu.
The restaurant’s famous double-fried chicken wings remain a staple, but the menu now features a wider variety of dishes. Signature items include loaded kimchi fries and garlic bread stuffed with mascarpone cheese and herbs. New additions like japchae glass noodles and tteok, a fried rice cake appetizer served with ground beef and Korean barbecue sauce, offer diners an authentic “taste of Seoul.”
Cho’s passion for Korean cuisine is evident in every dish. “The Korean community may not be as large here as in other places, but I am a representative of my Dad and the Korean community in Houston,” he explained. “I want to be known as one of those Korean-American restaurateurs.”
Conclusion
Through Dak & Bop, Jason Cho continues to honor his father’s legacy while proudly representing Korean cuisine in Houston. With a blend of innovation and tradition, his restaurant offers diners a unique experience, highlighting the bold and vibrant flavors of Korean food.
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