Business Spotlight: Round K By Sol
Hansol Kim of Round K By Sol
Round K By Sol
78 Canal Street
roundk.com
Welcome to Chinatown spoke to Hansol Kim, manager of Round K By Sol, a Korean-style coffee shop in the Lower East Side. Creative drinks such as the matte black latte and egg cappuccino have garnered much press including Huffington Post, Gothamist, and Bloomberg. Round K By Sol’s new location is officially open at 78 Canal St)!
Tell us who you are!
I was born and raised in South Korea, studied English in the Philippines and Australia, then went back to a stagnant job market in Korea. After applying to over 50+ companies with no luck, my professor suggested I apply abroad, and I landed a one-year internship in New Jersey. After completing the internship in 2015, I met Ockheon Byeon, the owner of Round K, and started working there.
What made you decide to start working at Round K?
In the back of my mind, I always dreamed of becoming a barista. So when I heard of Round K, I was surprised to discover that it was a Korean owned business. So I started working small jobs from washing dishes to learning how to pull a shot and make Soju cocktails. I began taking on more responsibilities, became a manager, and will soon open the second Round K location.
What is the atmosphere like at Round K?
Since many people go home to an empty apartment in NYC, Round K was created to be a welcoming space reminiscent of a traditional Korean cafe ambiance. Our regular customers have become our friends.
What are you most excited about for your new location?
I have the opportunity to open my own business because COVID-19 has lower rents. Although many friends have shut down their coffeeshops, I ask myself, “Can I do it? Can I survive?” I’m half worried and excited… but I will keep trying to stay positive.
“I find solace in our shared immigrant experience — who just want to survive in this country.”
What are the most popular items on your menu?
Our signature drink is the Matte Black, which is mixed organic coconut ash and 98% Dutch processed cacao powder — it won the Hester Street Fair's Iced Coffee Competition. Customers also love the flat purple, which is an iced black coffee with ube cream and ube powder, and our egg cappuccino, which is topped with whipped cream, cocoa powder, and a yolk. They also love our breakfast items.
How has COVID affected the business?
It’s been up and down - pretty good in the summer/fall and slow in the winter. We recently partnered with Katie, the owner of Reception Bar, to share her space, which has been an amazing collaboration. Since her bar doesn’t open until 5 PM, we are able to use the space from 10 AM- 4 PM.
“Regular customers mean a lot. It’s encouraging to know that people still remember us.”
What do you love most about Chinatown?
Living in East Broadway for 5 years, and working at Allen St, I have a close-knit community of Chinese friends; they even came to my wedding! I find solace in our shared immigrant experience — they are people who just want to survive in this country.
How can people support you and your business?
Just come. There are lots of people that walk by and say hello. Regular customers mean a lot. It’s encouraging to know that people still remember us.
Chinatown establishments like Round K By Sol are what makes the spirit of our neighborhood. We need your support to keep that spirit alive. Please consider donating to The Longevity Fund, our small business relief fund, or help us spread the word of what’s at stake. Together, we can preserve Chinatown businesses and help keep Chinatown open for business.
Photo Credits: Paulsta
