Opening a new business in the middle of a Statewide lockdown is no easy task.

But it’s a task that a Korean-born foodie - Jerry (as he likes to be called) - took on when he opened Kyeong 109.

Read more news: Weddings to go ahead with restrictions as NSW Covid cases hit record high

Jerry has opened his Korean dining restaurant in the old Fire in the Belly building, at 109 Dawson Street.

It’s a labour of love for him – as he’s spend months getting the restaurant interior ready to open, converting the old pizza restaurant into a Korean specialty dining place.

Because lockdown Public Health Orders were in place when he opened, Jerry needed to create a special take away only menu, but he intends to offer a much wider menu once he’s able to open the restaurant for sit-in dining.

“Many people have been asking me if I will serve Korean barbeque,” Jerry said. “I’m keen to do it – there’s no one else here offering that style of food and I think it will go down well.”

Despite lockdown keeping people at home, Jerry said he’s had a steady stream of customers ordering from his take-away menu.

“I already have loyal customers because I have been selling food at the Lismore Car Boot Markets for a long time,” he said “My customers have kept supporting me and come here now.”

Jerry has lived in Lismore for the past seven years and this is the first time he has opened a restaurant.

“I’m excited about it,” he said. "It's been my dream to open this."

Kyeong 109 is open Monday to Saturday from 11.30am to 7.30pm. Jerry said he intends to open longer hours once lockdown is over.

You can phone to order food on 0423 418 222.