Houston’s Most Ambitious Korean Steakhouse Closes Its Doors
Houston’s most ambitious Korean steakhouse, Karne Korean Steakhouse, has served its last meal. According to owner Jason Cho, the restaurant has permanently closed. The news was also announced on social media.
A Brief History
Karne Korean Steakhouse opened in the fall of 2022, taking inspiration from New York City’s celebrated Korean steakhouse Cote and other similar establishments. Cho, known for his Korean fried chicken restaurant Dak & Bop, recruited chef Yurum "KP" Nam to move to Houston from New York to serve as his partner in the restaurant. After more than three years in development, Karne featured a stunning interior and an extensive wine list. The menu included traditional Korean marinated short rib alongside dry-aged beef, American wagyu, and Japanese wagyu.
The Decision to Close
Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t generate sufficient business to be viable, Cho says. Faced with pressure from his landlord and lenders, he made the decision to close immediately without giving diners the opportunity to visit one last time. Despite this, Cho is holding his head high.
"I don’t have any regrets. I’m proud we were able to be open for as long as we were," Cho says. "I went from a small Korean fried chicken shop to trying to execute an elevated version of Korean cuisine that hadn’t been done in Houston. I’m proud of that."
The Vision of Expansion
Cho’s vision of expanding Houston’s options for Korean food has had its ups and downs. He closed Dak & Bop’s second location in Lazybrook/Timbergrove at the end of 2023 in order to return the restaurant to its original home in the Museum District. Similarly, his Galleria-area outpost of South Korean coffee shop Tom N Toms also closed last year.
Looking to the Future
Cho is already looking to regroup and figure out his next steps. "I’ve been at a fast pace for the past several years," he says. "I guess it would be wise to pump the brakes a little and slow down for the time being. I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I will be motivated to keep going. For now, it’s Dak & Bop. I’ll regroup and figure out the next steps."
Rough Start to 2025
The beginning of 2025 has been a rough time for both steakhouses and ambitious restaurants. Karne’s closure follows the recent shuttering of Japanese-inspired restaurant Money Cat and the news earlier this week that Andiron, a neighborhood restaurant that focused on steak, will close on March 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Karne Korean Steakhouse close?
A: The restaurant didn’t generate sufficient business to be viable, according to owner Jason Cho.
Q: How long was Karne open?
A: Karne opened in the fall of 2022 and closed in [insert current year].
Q: What was Karne’s menu like?
A: The menu included traditional Korean marinated short rib alongside dry-aged beef, American wagyu, and Japanese wagyu.
Q: What’s next for Jason Cho?
A: Cho will regroup and figure out his next steps, focusing on his remaining restaurant, Dak & Bop.
