Made in New Jersey: Kimchi Pride grows from family roots to national reach
James Lee and Chae Chong own Kimchi Pride & Foods, a business that’s doing about $4 million in sales a year.
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Not just music and movies — there’s a superfood riding the wave of Korean culture. For a couple in Prospect Park kimchi is more than a trendy side dish.
James Lee and Chae Chong own Kimchi Pride & Foods, a business that’s doing about $4 million in sales a year.
They say every cut of cabbage matters as they work to keep up with demand for fermented vegetables.
“I think people are seeking a better option to bring on their dining table,” Chong said. “We make kimchi — iconic side dish, everyone knows about kimchi.”
The couple says the business is about living out the American dream. “We were thinking wow we have to learn English, we have to learn the culture, we have to make money,” Chong said.
Inspired by their parents’ sacrifices, they grew the company from a handful of employees to more than 20. “The day they landed they started working. Their sacrifice made us realize that if you work hard there is reward,” Lee said.
That reward is success — creating jobs and finding new customers. “This is the final product. When you see it coming through the conveyor belt do you have any emotion? We call them beautiful. This is beautiful,” Chong said.
Their kimchi is sold in Asian grocery and gourmet stores, on Amazon, and straight from their website.
