Son of a Bear Korean Tavern Closes in Oakhurst

Son of a Bear, the Korean tavern and soju bar from Michael Lo and chef George Yu, closed Saturday evening after less than a year in Oakhurst. It replaced another short-lived Lo and Yu restaurant, Double Dragon Chinese.

The Korean Wives Hospitality Group partners announced the closing on Facebook Friday evening saying “the Bear is going to sleep” and encouraged people to come out for one last meal. Lo tells Eater Atlanta the plan now is to “focus on” opening Salaryman, their East Lake Japanese-Korean restaurant opening next week for dinner in the former Mary Hoopa’s House of Fried Chicken at the Hosea and 2nd complex.

Salaryman, a term of endearment referring to a white-collar business person in Japan, will likely include a few dishes from Son of a Bear on its menu, according to a report by Atlanta Magazine.

Izakaya-style fried and grilled meats and vegetables, sashimi, and ramen along with entrees such as a braised short rib and an “Asian-influenced” burger and a fried chicken sandwich are expected on the menu for Salaryman. Drinks include up to 15 sakes by the glass as well as beer, wine, and “Asian spins” on cocktails using ingredients like yuzu and Japanese gin.

In June, Lo and Yu also closed Taiyo ramen after five years at downtown Decatur’s Courtyard Hotel. Nearly a month later, the partners filed permits to open Salaryman on the corner of Hosea L. Williams Drive and 2nd Avenue in East Lake.

Lo and Yu own Suzy Siu’s Baos at Krog Street Market, Ramen Station in Grant Park, and Noona Korean Steakhouse in Duluth.

• Oakhurst Loses a Chinese Restaurant but Gains a Korean Tavern Tonight [EATL]
• Restaurant Owners Swap Out Their Chinese Restaurant for Korean [EATL]
• Noona and Ramen Station Owners Plan to Open an East Lake Restaurant [EATL]
• Taiyo Ramen Closes Saturday After Five Years in Downtown Decatur [EATL]