Amid pending litigation, Memphis Seoul closes its outpost on 1st Avenue

Photos last Thursday by Steven

Memphis Seoul has closed its East Village location at 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place after 11 months.

An Instagram post from last week alleges the "gross negligence" of co-landlord J&M Realty Services for the loss of gas service (which has yet to be restored) two days into the shop's renovation last year. 

The post says that Memphis Seoul has pending litigation against the landlord.

In April, Memphis Seoul (founded by former New York Post sportswriter Bart Hubbuch) filed a $500,000 lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court for alleged breach of contract, tenant harassment, fraud and misrepresentation against the building's landlord, Lunar Estates, LLC d/b/a Lunar Estates. 

Public records show that Lunar Estates, LLC, bought the property in early 2022 for $4.3 million. (Public records show that the listed owner of Lunar Estates LLC is Won Moon, an orthodontist based in Orange County, California.) 

Meanwhile, this past Thursday, a marshal also posted a notice on the storefront stating that the landlord has legal possession of the premises.

The quick-serve establishment serves "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" ... offering the comfort food of the South with the spices and sauces familiar to Korean food. 

The original Memphis Seoul remains in service in Crown Heights. According to the Instagram post from last week, a new Lower East Side outpost is in the works.

Openings: Memphis Seoul on 1st Avenue

Photo by Steven

Memphis Seoul debuted on Wednesday here at 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. 

The quick-serve establishment describes it as "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" ... offering the comfort food of the South with the spices and sauces familiar to Korean food. So expect items like ramen mac n' cheese, bulgogi meatloaf and Korean cornbread. Find the menu here.

Founder Bart Hubbuch opened the first Memphis Seoul in Crown Heights. 

Per Grub Street: "Originally from Dallas, Hubbuch was a career sportswriter who’d spent 27 in the business before getting fired from the New York Post for a tweet about Donald Trump winning the 2016 presidential election." 

Grub Street also states that "Hubbuch had always been a home cook... and had long been interested in running his own business." 

Current hours: 

Monday-Thursday: 5-9 p.m., with a 10 p.m. close on Friday... and on Saturday-Sunday: noon-9 p.m.

Previously 

Almost-opening report: Memphis Seoul on 1st Avenue

Memphis Seoul is moving closer to a grand opening here at 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (Thanks to Steven for the photos!)

Door signage stated how excited they were to be joining "this amazing and vibrant community." 

The sign, recently removed, also mentions that their opening was "slightly delayed by building issues with Con Edison."     

An Instagram post from Saturday says they will be open later this month.

This is the second location for the restaurant, which describes itself as "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" (You can check out the menu here.) Founder Bart Hubbuch opened his first Memphis Seoul in Crown Heights. 

Our previous post has more about the restaurant and ownership. 

This address became available after Organic Grill relocated to West Third Street last spring. 

Memphis Seoul unveils signage, storefront

Workers have removed the plywood from outside 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place, revealing the storefront and signage for Memphis Seoul. (Thanks to Steven for the photo!)

And a night view...

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A post shared by MEMPHIS SEOUL® (@getmemphisseoul)

This will be the second location for the restaurant, which describes itself as "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" (You can check out the menu here.) Founder Bart Hubbuch opened his first Memphis Seoul in Crown Heights. 

No word on an official opening date. 

Our previous post has more about the restaurant and ownership. 

This address became available after Organic Grill relocated to West Third Street last spring. 

Memphis Seoul announces itself on 1st Avenue

Signage arrived Monday for Memphis Seoul, coming soon to 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. (Thanks to Steven for the photo!)

This will be the second location for the restaurant, which describes itself as "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" (You can check out the menu here.) Founder Bart Hubbuch opened his first Memphis Seoul in Crown Heights. 

Our previous post has more about the restaurant and ownership. 

This address became available after Organic Grill relocated to West Third Street this past spring. 

Memphis Seoul coming to 1st Avenue

Ownership of Memphis Seoul has signed a lease to open its first Manhattan outpost at 123 First Ave. between Seventh Street and St. Mark's Place. News of the deal was first reported by the @TradedNY account. 

This will be the second location for the restaurant, which describes itself as "Southern cookin' with a Korean kick!" (You can check out the menu here.) 

Founder Bart Hubbuch opened his first Memphis Seoul in Crown Heights. 

In case his name sounds familiar... Per Grub Street: "Originally from Dallas, Hubbuch was a career sportswriter who’d spent 27 years in the business before getting fired from the New York Post for a tweet about Donald Trump winning the 2016 presidential election." 

Grub Street also states that "Hubbuch had always been a home cook... and had long been interested in running his own business." 

A Memphis Seoul Instagram post lists a 2023 opening. 

This address became available after Organic Grill relocated to West Third Street this past spring.