Our Story
More Than a Restaurant — A Taste of Home in Korea
Foodies Soul Food Restaurant Group is a Black American-owned restaurant group bringing authentic soul food, American comfort food and classic diner culture to communities across South Korea.
Our beginning
Where It All Began
Our story began near Camp Humphreys with JJ's American Diner, where we built a loyal following through generous portions, familiar flavors and warm hospitality.
What started as one restaurant became a place where military members, families, travelers and local residents could enjoy the comfort of a real American meal while living in Korea.
Meet the owners
Growing
From JJ's American Diner to Foodies Soul Food
As the customer community grew, the business expanded beyond one location and became Foodies Soul Food Restaurant Group.
Each location serves its own community, but the mission remains the same: serve authentic food, create memorable experiences and make every guest feel welcome.
One restaurant
JJ's American Diner near Camp Humphreys.
A loyal community
Military members, families, travelers and local residents.
A restaurant group
Foodies Soul Food serving multiple communities across Korea.
What soul food means to us
Food Made with Meaning
Soul food is more than a style of cooking. It carries tradition, family, memory and connection.
From fried chicken and baked mac & cheese to oxtails, catfish, collard greens, brunch favorites and homemade comfort food, every dish is meant to feel satisfying, familiar and full of care.
Baked Mac & Cheese
Collard Greens
Shrimp & Grits
A place to feel at home
Bringing Home a Little Closer
For many of our customers, especially those living far from family and familiar traditions, our restaurants offer more than food.
They offer comfort, familiar music, generous hospitality and a place where people can gather, celebrate and feel understood.
Military families & service members
A familiar place for those stationed far from home.
Travelers
A warm welcome and a real meal, wherever you're coming from.
Local residents
A neighborhood spot to gather and feel at home.
Celebrations & gatherings
Birthdays, brunch, retirements, promotions and community events.
Meet the Founder
Jessica Fry
Jessica Fry is the founder and CEO of Foodies Soul Food Restaurant Group.
After building a life and business in Korea, she helped grow JJ's American Diner into a restaurant group centered on authentic food, community and hospitality.
Her goal is to create restaurants where customers can enjoy the flavors they miss, celebrate important moments and feel connected to home.
“I wanted to create the kind of place where people could enjoy the food they missed and feel at home, even while living far away.”
— Jessica Fry
Our mission
Our Mission
Authentic Food
Serve real American soul food and comfort food with consistency, generous portions and familiar flavor.
Warm Hospitality
Create an atmosphere where customers feel welcomed, respected and comfortable.
Community Connection
Build spaces where people can gather, celebrate and form lasting memories.
Thoughtful Growth
Grow the restaurant group while protecting the quality, culture and personal service that made customers love the original restaurant.
Our values
What We Stand For
Authenticity
Real recipes, real flavors and honest food.
Hospitality
Every guest treated like family.
Community
A gathering place for the people we serve.
Consistency
The same great taste, every visit.
Generosity
Full plates and full hearts.
Respect
For our guests, our team and our craft.
Growth
Growing without losing what made us, us.
The Foodies experience
What You Can Expect
Offerings vary by location. Brunch, catering and late-night dining are available at participating locations.
Authentic soul food
Fried chicken, oxtails, catfish, mac & cheese, collards and more.
American diner favorites
Burgers, sandwiches, breakfast plates and classic diner comfort.
Weekend brunch
Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and unlimited mimosas at participating locations.
Catering and group orders
Half and full pans, pickup or delivery for gatherings and events.
Music and a relaxed atmosphere
Good vibes, generous portions and friendly service.
Multiple locations in Korea
Serving military communities, families and local residents across Korea.
Community gallery
Life at Foodies
Guest, staff and celebration photos are shared only with permission and approval. Add approved community photos in your content settings to feature them here.
Our journey
How We've Grown
Milestones are shown without dates until verified. Edit them anytime in your content settings.
JJ's American Diner begins serving the Camp Humphreys community
Foodies Soul Food expands to additional communities
Brunch service introduced
Catering and group dining expanded
New locations and concepts developed
Come Experience Foodies Soul Food
Whether you are craving a familiar meal, planning brunch with friends, ordering catering or visiting for the first time, there is a place for you at our table.