As we reported back in March in our New Restaurants issue, James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jason and Sue Chin and their Good Salt Restaurant Group are expanding their restaurant portfolio with a new concept in a high-profile space.
The pair are already culinary forces in Baldwin Park (Seito Sushi, The Osprey), the North Quarter (Reyes Mezcaleria and Sparrow) and Creative Village (The Monroe), and recently moved into Thornton Park with Osteria Ester.
Now they’ll establish a presence in the Milk District with a concept that will be near and dear to their hearts.
Paper Kites, a Korean pub, or pocha, will take over the iconic Hoods Up space at 2400 E. Robinson St. And while the pair are waiting a little longer before releasing additional info on the concept, you can be sure that soju, makgeolli and beer will be poured and paired alongside various anju — comforting, booze-soaking snacks and dishes.
The pub’s name has a tie to Korean folk culture; flying paper kites was seen as a way to ward off bad luck and invite good fortune. Though, if you ask me, they missed an opportunity to call the place Foods Up!
The property was purchased for $1.2 million in October 2024 by real estate developer Craig Ustler, who’s teamed up with the Chins on Reyes Mezcaleria, The Monroe and Osteria Ester. The site of the former gas and service station has been undergoing environmental assessments and cleanup, but construction could begin this summer and last approximately six to nine months.
Renderings from architecture firm Baskervill show the existing brick facade will be retained, as will the roll-up garage doors, in an effort to maintain the building’s original character (though not that super groovy sign). Parking spaces appear to be limited.
In the meantime, be sure to follow @paperkitesorlando for all the latest.
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