Sami and Young Lim. Photos: Chris Emeott
Young’s, a Korean barbecue restaurant, is the realization of a lifelong dream.
If there’s been one constant throughout Sami and Young Lim’s relationship, it’s food.
The pair first met in the aisles of Festival Foods in White Bear Lake. Sami worked in the deli, and Young ran the sushi bar. Their friendship grew over nearly a decade, and they began a relationship in 2018.
Through those years, Young’s passion for cooking blossomed. “His mom made all these wonderful meals for him growing up, and that sort of translated to him,” Sami says. “[When we were] dating, he would cook all these fancy dinners and just experiment with food. He’s always cooking.”
Now, two years into their marriage, they own and operate Young’s, a Korean barbecue restaurant, on Fourth Street. “[It’s] been one of Young’s dreams to open up his own restaurant,” Sami says. “He has been always wanting to share his talents and his food with everyone.”
Opening the restaurant was a bit of a whirlwind for the couple. Last December, Young’s long-time customer, Leonard Pratt, approached him with an opportunity. Pratt was the co-owner of the Burger Bar on Fourth Street, which was looking to make a change. The restaurant space was available. Did Young want it?
Sami recalls Young coming home that night to share the news. “[I was] waiting for the other shoe to drop,” Sami says. But it didn’t take long for the couple to realize this was the right place and time to pursue Young’s dream.
Young’s offers carry-out and dine-in service, with patio seating and beer on tap.
The Lims signed the papers to lease the space on February 19, and opened the doors of Young’s to the public on March 15. “It sometimes still doesn’t feel real that this is our journey,” Sami says.
Since the restaurant opened, the Lims have been supported on all sides by friends and family. Young’s best friend, Dan, and fellow Festival employee Jeremy “Little J” Bringgold dropped everything to help. Both Young’s and Sami’s parents, EunSoon and Hangil, Kim and Sid, worked for free while the couple got on their feet. “It’s such a big venture that we’re doing, and to bring our family with and share that with them is great,” Sami says.
Young’s offers a fast-casual dining experience. Fairy lights illuminate the patio seating in the evenings. Inside, the intimate space includes dining tables and a small bar. Photos of landscapes hang on the walls, depicting places where the Lims have shared special moments with each other and their family. “[The photos are] just small reminders of who we are and why we’re here,” Sami says.
Tuna Tataki (front) and Kalbi Bibimbap (back).
The limited menu created by Young, who was raised in Seoul, South Korea, pays tribute to traditional Korean cuisine. The Kalbi Bibimbap, featuring Korean barbecued beef, vegetables, rice and gochujang sauce (homemade like all Young’s sauces) has become a customer favorite. Other main dishes include Burnt Ends, Katsu and Soy Garlic Tofu. Anju—a Korean term for food consumed with alcohol—is another offering at Young’s; these bar snacks include juicy Beef Short Ribs, Tuna Tataki, crispy Tempura Shrimp and Chicken Wings.
The community has rallied around Young’s from the start. “We just love White Bear Lake; It’s such a friendly town,” says Sami, who grew up nearby in Maplewood. “Everyone’s so nice and welcoming.
“We have a sign when you walk in that says, ‘Stay humble. Be kind. Work hard,’ and that’s really how we are as people too … you never know what other people are going through,” Sami says.
Young’s
2125 Fourth St.; 651.417.1336
