Sean Chang and Peter Chung, co-owners of Mukja Korean Fried Chicken.Rookie of the Year Winner: Mukja Korean Fried Chicken
Mukja is the dream of two friends from high school, Sean Chang and Peter Chung, who have persevered against a devastating car wreck and a pandemic to open their restaurant in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Mukja’s menu features Korean fried chicken with sides like mac & cheese covered in kimchi and bacon and a cabbage salad topped with gochujang thousand island dressing.
Best Part of the Job
Meeting and socializing with all walks of life in the restaurant
“I’d love to see better work life balance. Creating concepts that don’t require to be open every day just to turn a profit, people can work full jobs and pay their bills, they don’t have to work 12-hour shifts every day, and better support for restaurant owners, whether it’s reforming taxes or having regulations to help against predatory landlord practices.” – Sean Chang, co-owner
Finalists
Southern Belle + Georgia Boy
Whether it’s a four-course tasting menu at Southern Belle or a multi-course chef’s table experience at Georgia Boy, Chef/Owner Joey Ward and his team have created a place for everyone to experience true southern hospitality.
Equitable Efforts
The restaurants instituted a tipless business model this summer as part of a plan to improve the well-being and livelihood of its employees. Up next: expanding employee benefits.
“You can have fun at work and be kind to your employees while also working hard and producing a high quality product. I hold this truth to this very day and continue to lead with motivation and positivity.” – Joey Ward, executive chef and owner
Mad Hospitality LLC
Mad Hospitality’s concepts are tailored to a smaller, exurban market and compliment the surrounding community and its historic, adaptive reuse developments. Restaurants include The Sinclair, Mad Taco and Hart and Crown Tavern.
Benefits and Compensation
The company’s aim is to create opportunities for all those involved in the operation. No one makes less than minimum wage, including servers, and full-time employees are offered benefits including paid vacation, 100% company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance, and even a 401(k).
”This business can be a window on the world for those who might not otherwise be exposed to the opportunity, and it can be a platform from which you can grow a career.” – Preston Snyder, principal
Lil Ice Cream Dude Cool World Ice Cream Shop
Beau Shell launched his ice cream dream when he was only 8 years old, selling ice cream at a community event for $1 each. He made $308 and hasn’t looked back since. Now a senior in high school, he operates an online store, offers catering – he’s worked more than 1,500 events and is the youngest licensed vendor to ever work in Sanford Stadium during a UGA football game – and he operates a brick-and-mortar location in East Athens.
Career Highlights
Working at the King Center and meeting the late John Lewis, being a part of large festivals such as OneMusicFest and the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, and publishing a children’s book. His next goal: attend college and meet Tyler Perry to gain insight on how to navigate his own entrepreneurial journey.
I am proof that there are young people like me who genuinely care for others and who aspire to make a positive difference in their communities first and then the world. – Beau Shell, CEO
