We recently connected with Bj Kim and have shared our conversation below.

Bj, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The invention of Red Sesame stemmed from my love of Korean cuisine and my thirst to bring something unique to Cincinnati. Korean food in this area was not mainstream so I wanted to create a way to bring Korean taste with a familiar flair therefore the Korean/Mexican fusion was born. The Cincinnati area was familiar with such items as burritos and tacos therefore I was able to slowly introduce the area to the distinct flavors of Korean by executing in a familiar format hence Red Sesame was born. I did not want to open a full scale restaurant so I researched the food truck business and decided this was the best way to introduce my concept That was in 2012 and Red Sesame maintains it success as a food truck pioneer in Cincinnati and surrounding areas.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started Red Sesame Korean BBQ in 2012 as a way to introduce the Cincinnati and surrounding area to a fusion cuisine with tastes people had never experienced before. I received my business degree knowing all along creating my own business in the food industry was my ultimate goal. Growing up in South Korea and watching both my mother and father be successful entrepreneurs, I knew business ownership was in my blood. I graduated high school and studied in Japan before eventually moving to America. I worked different jobs but knew I would not be happy until I ran my own business. The last job I had before Red Sesame brought me to Cincinnati and I fell in love with the City but was craving more cultural tastes in the cuisine. I started researching the food truck industry in bigger cities and that is how Red Sesame came to be. I am proud that Red Sesame continues to be one of the top rated food trucks in Cincinnati and owe my success to the people of Cincinnati and the surrounding areas for their continued support

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. Red Sesame has faithful followers and their one comment is this” We can always count on Red Sesame for being consistent with quality. Your first time having Red Sesame with be equally as good as your second and beyond.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Consistent staffing is tough in this day and age especially when you accept nothing but the best. My business partner is my cousin Suni. Suni is the heart of the operation. Suni moved to America from South Korea solely for Red Sesame. Suni brings not only years of restaurant experience but passion for her craft.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.redsesamebbq.com
• Instagram: Redssm2012
• Facebook: Redsesamefoodtruck
• Twitter: Redssm2012