UNCASVILLE, CT – Mohegan and Cornerstone Restaurant Group have announced expansions in South Korea with a new Michael Jordan’s Steak House, MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill, as well as two new original concepts – Hi-Fi Chicken & Beer, and Brasserie 1783. The new restaurants in South Korea will be part of Mohegan Inspire Entertainment Resort, an integrated resort with 1,275 hotel rooms, a 15,000-seat multipurpose arena, casino, convention facilities, retail, indoor waterpark, and an outdoor themed attraction. Opening in the fourth quarter of 2023, Inspire is the next major opening by Mohegan.
The new Michael Jordan’s Steak House, which has been successful in the U.S., will bring the high-quality dining experience to Seoul. The restaurant, designed by the Korean firm Kesson, will offer beautiful interiors and exclusive private dining opportunities.
“Mohegan has enjoyed such a remarkable and productive relationship with Cornerstone Restaurant Group (CRG) and we are so thrilled about this new venture we’re working on for Mohegan Inspire,” said Ray Pineault, President & CEO of Mohegan. “Michael Jordan’s Steak House and the MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill are two of our most popular restaurants at our flagship property, Mohegan Sun, in Connecticut, and to bring these two concepts to South Korea, along with brand-new concepts as well, is very exciting.”
Culinary Director Craig Couper led the menu development at Michael Jordan’s Steak House and will oversee the culinary program of the restaurant, as well as MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill, an elevated sports bar and grill serving contemporary American cuisine with an exceptional sport viewing experience. Michael Jordan iconography and his most famous quotes will fill the space along with the latest in TV technology.
“This is a project a long time in the making and it’s something we’re so proud to be part of,” said Joshua Zadikoff, Cornerstone’s President. “We’ve always had plans to make our concepts international. What better way to make a global impression than to bring Michael Jordan’s Steak House and three other concepts to the premier new entertainment destination in Asia.”
Joining Michael Jordan’s Steak House and MJ23 Sports Bar & Grill at Inspire will be a new concept developed with CRG partner Chef Bill Kim. Hi-Fi Chicken & Beer will be a casual diner featuring Korean-style fried chicken paired with ice cold beer in a fun and laid back atmosphere filled with classic stereo equipment and vinyl albums.
“We knew we had to build on our partnership with Mohegan after such tremendous success in Connecticut,” said Zadikoff. “We are thrilled to launch CRG Chef Partner Bill Kim’s newest concept at Inspire. Chef Bill was born in South Korea and has always dreamed of bringing his culinary talents back home. We think people are going to love his creative takes on Korean comfort foods at Hi-Fi Chicken & Beer.”
Mohegan and Cornerstone will also launch the restaurant concept, Brasserie 1783, which will have its menus designed by the culinary duo of Kim and Couper. The restaurant will be a French-inspired, all-day brasserie featuring a signature hot air balloon-shaped bar, a raw bar, a stylish patisserie and coffee bar, and a large outdoor patio.