A Korean-style burger restaurant operated by Korean American owners has opened near the University of Southern California.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Softie’s Burger, founded by Korean American entrepreneurs Josh Kim and Sam Hong, began serving customers at USC Village on July 6.
Softie’s Burger infuses elements of Korean culture into a classic American format, reflecting what the founders describe as their personal experiences with “cultural confusion” growing up. Their menu blends Korean ingredients with Western-style burgers.
Signature items include the “Cali” burger, a Korean twist on the In-N-Out-style burger; the “Ahi” burger, inspired by flavors from Peru and Japan; and a seasonal rotating item such as the “Crispy Shroom” burger, topped with fried mushrooms.
“We grew up eating Korean food at home but always wanted burgers or pizza when we were out. That led us to find a middle ground,” Kim told the LA Times.
The space, measuring approximately 2,600 square feet, is styled as a retro diner with Korean and Japanese influences. The dining area features white tables, wooden chairs, booth seating, and retro bar stools.
The founders previously worked in tech, including stints at DoorDash and OpenTable, before venturing into the food business. Without professional chef backgrounds, they launched Softie’s as a pop-up in front of a Chinatown café in 2022. They later gained popularity at the Smorgasburg food market in downtown Los Angeles.
Their success story drew further attention when they raised more than $18,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help open their first permanent restaurant, funding equipment, furniture, and ingredients.
Softie’s Burger is open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 835 W. Jefferson Blvd. Unit 1710, Los Angeles
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
