Today we’d like to introduce you to Jae Lee.
Hi Jae, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I realized I needed to earn more income than my current situation allowed, which motivated me to explore new opportunities. I spent about ten years working in the supply chain management (SCM) field. Over time, I developed a strong desire to achieve greater financial stability and independence, which led me to pursue my own business. With that goal in mind, I reached out to a real estate agent to explore potential business opportunities. Through that process, I came across a restaurant that was already in operation, and I decided to take it over about a year ago.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been all smooth sailing. In the beginning, I faced a few bumps along the way—figuring out how to manage employees, learning the ins and outs of running a restaurant, and dealing with unexpected equipment problems. Since I came from a completely different field, there was a big learning curve. But every challenge taught me something valuable and pushed me to become more adaptable and confident as a business owner. Looking back, those early struggles were what helped me grow the most.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At our restaurant, we bring together the comforting flavors of Korean and American cuisine, but our true specialty and the dish that put us on the map is CUPBOB, a vibrant and flavorful Korean rice bowl. It is the perfect balance of tradition and creativity, offering customers something both familiar and exciting.
What makes our food stand out is the care and authenticity behind it. Every single item on our menu is made in house, from the sauces to the breads. We don’t rely on shortcuts or store bought ingredients. Even our most common sauces like buffalo, lemon pepper, or BBQ are crafted from scratch with our own twist. Each recipe has been developed with intention, giving every dish its own unique identity.
Our portions are generous, our flavors bold, and our approach simple: real food made with heart. What I am most proud of is seeing customers come back not just for one favorite item, but to explore something new each time. It is a reminder that what we have built is more than just a restaurant. It is a place where people can enjoy genuine, flavorful food that is made with passion and care.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
The biggest risk I ever took was believing in myself. After serving in the U.S. Army for 16 years, I thought I had leadership figured out I knew how to manage people, stay disciplined, and handle pressure. But when I stepped into the restaurant world, I quickly realized that running a business was a completely different battlefield. Managing soldiers and managing employees require very different kinds of understanding, and in my first six months, I lost a lot of staff. It was discouraging at times. I did not just want people who could work. I wanted a team who truly enjoyed being here, who felt like they were part of something meaningful.
Another major risk was entering an industry I had no background in. I did not have experience in food service, and there were moments when I doubted myself. But I learned that you do not have to know everything. You just have to be willing to learn and humble enough to ask for help. I was lucky to build relationships with other restaurant owners nearby who shared advice, encouragement, and support. We have built a small community where we help one another grow.
Looking back, every risk I took came down to one thing, trusting myself and the process. Growth does not happen in comfort zones. You stumble, you adjust, and you learn to keep moving forward. That is what makes the risk worth it.
Pricing:
- 4.99
- 9.99
- 13.99
- 14.99
- 15.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tigerkcupbobduluth.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigerkcupbob.duluth/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tiger-k-cupbob-duluth?osq=Tiger+K+CupBob
Image Credits
I am not sure how I can provide but the ownership of the photos are to me and my restaurant
