Opening a new business can come with delays. That's what has happened to Lismore's new Korean fried chicken shop, Dak Jjang. 

Earlier this week, The Lismore App reported that the new Carrington Street shop was due to open on Wednesday, May 26.

But shop owner Roy Lee said that while the shop fit out is complete and he is ready to open, there have been delays in getting approvals.

Roy said it's not Lismore Council that have put up the roadblocks.

"We are waiting for PCA safety approval for the shop fit out changes," Roy said. "We just need one final document approved."

Roy said he hopes the okay will be given today, so he can open tonight.

"But it might not be until next week on Monday or Tuesday," he said.

"We will post the exact opening date on our Facebook page once we know, so people can check and be sure we are open."

To find out more about Dak Jjang, visit https://www.facebook.com/dakjjang

ORIGINAL STORY:

Korean fried chicken shop opens with secret spices and night dining

The lighting is mellow and there’s black on the walls. Day and night dining is on the way to Lismore with new Korean fried chicken shop, Dak Jjang.

Dak Jjang is the new solo venture for Roy Lee, originally from South Korea and who now calls Goonellabah home.

Roy said the shop name, Dak Jjang, has two meanings. It means ‘best chicken’ and ‘also ‘chicken cage’. The décor in the shop includes some black cages on the walls, reflecting the chicken cage theme.

While he’s not new to running family food businesses, it is Roy’s first chicken and beer shop.

His goal is to make consistently delicious chicken pieces that bring smiles to the faces of everyone who eats them – because they are made with love and care.

Secret marinade

The chicken is made with a special – and secret – marinade that Roy said is based on traditional spices that have been honed and refined over generations in Korea.

“We’ve spent a lot of time and money on the marinade for the chicken, to get the spice blend just right, Roy said.

“It’s made from fresh ingredients that are good for you and take time, cost and effort to prepare.

“We don’t just want to keep churning out chicken.

“We are looking to sell a limited number of good quality chicken pieces, until we sell out each day.

“Each piece should have the same quality and I want customers to know that each time they come back, the chicken will always be of the same high standard and taste.

“When they know the food quality is consistent and enjoy it, they will come back.

“In Korea, if you have really good food, people will travel a long way to try it.

“We don’t want to just sell a lot of food to make a lot of money. We want to sell quality and service.

“I want to see lots of people smile over the food and be happy by having food here.”

Opening hours and menu

Dak Jjang will be open seven days a week, from 10am to 9pm and is located on Carrington Street, next to Ciao Belli Café and Lismore Central Shopping Centre.

Beer is planned for the menu, but not yet - Roy is still waiting for the liquor licence to be approved

Also on the menu will also be poke bowl, which is made of rice, vegetables and grilled or fried chicken.

Roy said there’s a special radish pickle they use, made with Korean pickle, which is spicier and different to the taste of Australian radish.

First of many

Roy said he hopes the Lismore CBD shop is just the first chicken and beer shop he opens in the local area.

“If get enough community support and have the staff and family members to help start up another shop in the area, we want to help the community and bring more business to Lismore and surrounding areas,” Roy said.

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