Today we’d like to introduce you to Soo Mi Kang.
Soo Mi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into co-owning Honey’s wasn’t something I planned. It came from a really personal place.
My father suffered a traumatic head injury, and at the time, I needed a way to help support my family and cover his medical expenses. Buying the bar with my mother was a big risk, but it was also an opportunity to create something that could provide stability during a difficult time.
Years later, I was going through my own battle. I’m a breast cancer survivor. That experience changed how I see everything. It gave me a different level of resilience and a deeper appreciation for community, which is something I have carried into Honey’s from day one.
In the beginning, it was about survival – figuring things out, learning the business, and keeping the doors open. But over the years, it’s grown into so much more than that. Honey’s has become a true community hub. We host APA pool leagues Monday through Thursday, along with regular tournaments, and we have built a space where people come not just to eat or drink, but also to connect.
Our menu reflects who we are too. It is a mix of American classics and Asian fusion, and we are intentional about our ingredients. We use real raw honey in our food instead of processed sugar, which ties back to the name itself.
I named the bar “Honey’s” after my dog who passed away, but it also represents something bigger – comfort, warmth, and a sense of home.
Looking back, what started as a way to get through one of the hardest times in my life has turned into something I am incredibly proud of. Honey’s is not just a business – it’s a place where people support each other, and that means everything to me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.
In the beginning, there were a lot of challenges from financial pressure, long hours, and just learning how to run a business while everything else was going on in my personal life. There were moments where it felt overwhelming, especially balancing the responsibility of helping my family while trying to keep the business afloat.
One of the biggest challenges early on was the food. Our menu is a mix of American classics and Asian fusion, and at first, people weren’t very open to it. Many customers came in expecting typical bar food and were hesitant to try something different. It took time to build that trust and get people to step outside of their comfort zone.
But we stayed consistent. Once people gave it a chance, they came back for it and now it is one of the things we are known for.
Like any small business, there have been ups and downs between staffing challenges, long nights, and the constant pressure to keep improving. But those struggles are also what shaped Honey’s into what it is today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Honey’s Bar and Grill?
Honey’s Bar and Grill is more than just a bar. It is a space where food, community, and culture come together.
What we do is simple on the surface: we serve great food, drinks, and provide a place to unwind. But what really sets us apart is how intentional everything is. Our menu is a mix of American classics and Asian fusion, and we take pride in doing both well. One thing people may not realize is that we use real raw honey in our dishes instead of processed sugar, which ties back to our name and adds a level of quality you don’t always see in bar food.
We’re also known for our pool scene. We host APA league nights Monday through Thursday and run monthly tournaments hosted by Crucial Shotz, so there’s always something happening. It brings in a wide range of people from serious players to beginners and creates a really unique atmosphere.
What truly sets Honey’s apart, though, is the sense of community. This isn’t just a place people come to eat and drink – it’s a place where people connect. We have regulars who have been coming for years, friendships that started here, and a strong sense of belonging that you can feel when you walk in.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how authentic we’ve stayed. We didn’t try to fit into a typical mold of what a bar “should” be. We leaned into who we are, our food, our culture, and our values, and built something that reflects that.
I want people to know that Honey’s is a place where you can come as you are, try something new, and feel at home.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always very determined and independent. I wasn’t the type to sit back and wait for things to happen. I liked to figure things out on my own and take initiative, even from a young age.
I’ve always had a strong work ethic, which really came from my family. I understood early on the value of hard work and responsibility, and that stayed with me as I got older. Looking back, I think that mindset is what eventually led me into owning a business.
Overall, I would say I was focused, resilient, and ambitious and those are still the qualities that guide me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://honeysbarandgrill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeysbar410
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoneysBarAndGrill
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/honeys-bar-and-grill-halethorpe
