Dundee’s increasingly diverse restaurant scene will soon boast what is being billed as the area’s first Korean barbecue restaurant.
Haxton and Beattie will take shape on Reform Street and will be the first business venture by partners Jason Haxton and Ryan Beattie.
Time spent working and holidaying in South Korea has convinced the Dundee-born pair of the merits of the nation’s food.
They hope the concept will find favour with Dundee diners and play a role in the rejuvenation of their chosen location, which is next to Europe’s first Project Pie.
The pair have both worked in licensed premises and caf businesses in the city over the past ten years and decided it was time to strike out on their own.
“I lived in Korea for a few years, teaching English, but it was on a trip last year that the idea really grabbed me,” said Ryan, 36.
“The food was something new and it is so different from that of other Asian countries.
“It’s based around meats and steaks but it is also really healthy. Korean people have a very healthy and balanced diet.
“I think it will be something new for Dundee. There are very few Korean barbecue restaurants of this type around and we think this will be the first of its kind in Scotland.”
The term Korean barbecue refers to the Korean method of roasting beef, pork, chicken and other types of meat.
It has been gaining increasing popularity internationally, but the UK outwith London has largely overlooked the style.
The offering at Haxton and Beattie will see the customer’s chosen meat cooked sous vide in a sealed bag in a water bath before being cooked to their preference on a barbecue.
Food will then be served with rice and vegetables and is being billed as healthy dining with a difference.
“We’ve had great support in making our idea a reality, with the Government start-up scheme particularly helpful,” said Jason, 37.
“We’ve now found what we believe is the right premises and we’ve had architects in to help us with the design.
“We hope to open in February.”
The restaurant will offer 80 covers.