The Former K-Pop Singer Who Opened Up An Award-Winning Southern BBQ Restaurant
A Korean woman changed her career from a K-Pop singer to a successful business owner!
Meet Lee Ji Yeon, a soloist from the 1980s who released songs such as “That Reason was a Pain to Me” (1987), “I Still Don’t Know Love” (1987) and “Wind Please Stop Blowing” (1989).
She left the K-Entertainment world permanently several years after releasing these hits, migrating to the USA with her husband, Cody Taylor, in 1999.
From being a renowned singer, she changed her career to focus on her other passion: cooking.
She opened Heirloom Market Barbecue in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2010. It mixes Korean culinary influences with traditional South American flavors.
One of their main dishes, for instance, is the Kalbi Beef Ribs. “Kalbi” is the Korean version of Barbecue Short Ribs.
It quickly gained a cult following, with diners coming from far-flung areas to get a taste of their menu.
Thirteen years later on September 3, 2023, her restaurant was named “Best Barbecue Restaurant” by American food magazine Food and Wine. This is only one of the many awards dedicated to them.
Heirloom Market Barbecue joined the coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand list of 2023, the best value-for-money restaurants as determined by the renowned Michelin brand.
Lee Ji Yeon and her husband were also named James Beard Southeast Best Chef Semi Finalists in 2020 and 2023.
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