Charleston Korean Restaurant Mama Kim’s Up For Sale on King Street | Eater Carolinas

"I've known it as a staple for bibimbap since it sat on Calhoun Street in 2004; now Mama Kim’s at 349 King Street serves as a beacon for college students hunting for a good deal and for locals craving bulgogi and banchan. Owner Kim Onam Brown, who has been in the food and beverage business for almost 40 years, has told local press she’s not ready to retire, yet a realtor post from Mike Santos lists the address for sale, notes “Owner Looking to Potentially Retire,” and gives an estimated rent of $10,745.75. The restaurant is still operating but has reduced its hours since the pandemic; it sits on a very busy portion of King Street where retail shops have shifted toward chains and many locals say the rent is too high to sustain profits. The sale listing describes the space as approximately 2,286 square feet with a fully-functional open kitchen and an approximately 20 ft hood system, a 1,000-gallon in-ground grease trap, walk-in cooler, concrete floors, exposed brick walls and ductwork, a great dining area with a cozy back room, and a location steps from the College of Charleston where streets are closed every 2nd Sunday for the popular festival; investors are welcome and the contact is Mike Santos." - Erin Perkins