DAM-A Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE – Korean BBQ & Hot Pot in Austin

Sunhee - DAM-A & O’daku Sushi

From washing dishes to running two beloved restaurants, Sunhee has become a pillar of Austin’s Asian food community. Her journey is a story of perseverance, passion, and the power of building connections through food.

When Sunhee first arrived in the United States from Korea in 2002, she started at the very bottom, working at her sister’s restaurant, O’daku Sushi. She washed dishes, learned the rhythms of the kitchen, and served customers in the dining room. Outside of work, she spent her time with her mother-in-law, making kimchi, tofu, and dumplings to share with friends and neighbors. Every step she took was about hard work, learning, and saving little by little for the future.

In 2008, Sunhee took over O’daku Sushi herself, transforming it into a restaurant the community could love and trust. Her dedication and honesty allowed her to run the business successfully for more than a decade. But her ambitions didn’t stop there.

In 2015, together with her longtime colleague and now best friend, Sunhee took on a bigger dream: purchasing Chosun Galbi. This leap eventually led to the creation of DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE, where guests enjoy authentic Korean BBQ and flavorful hot pot under one roof. Sunhee also revitalized O’daku Sushi, introducing a sushi and noodle bar alongside traditional dishes, allowing customers to hand-pick ingredients for a personalized dining experience.

What began as a humble dishwashing job has grown into two thriving businesses built on hard work, passion, and partnership. Through DAM-A and the renewed O’daku Sushi, Sunhee continues to serve the Austin community with sincerity, quality, and a promise of memorable dining experiences for families, friends, and couples alike.

"Food service isn’t just another job; it’s an opportunity to put smiles on faces. That’s what makes it all worth it."

DAM-A, Hot Pot & BBQ AYCE - Austin Hotpot 713 E Huntland Dr, Austin, TX 78752