A pair of celebrated local chefs are preparing to bring an exciting new dining experience to the Garden State. Carrie and Brian Devereux are in the early phases of opening several Dae Gee Korean BBQ restaurants across the Jersey Shore region, reports local media outlet Asbury Park Press.
Carrie and Brian, New Jersey hospitality veterans, spoke to What Now Philadelphia about their latest endeavor. Speaking of potential locations for the four planned restaurants, Brian states “We have a couple of areas we’re looking at-Middletown, maybe the Redbank area, Bricktown area, and Tom’s River.”
While the duo are still in the process of finding homes for their Dae Gee restaurants, they are optimistic but realistic about opening the first eatery within the next year. Brian says “We’re hoping for mid-summer.”, with Carrie adding “More than likely it’s’ going to be next fall, or the end of next summer. We think about 8 months turn around from finding the location to opening the restaurant.” The pair aim to open all four Dae Gees in five to six years.
The Devereuxs currently own and run Max Devros, the popular Manasquan bar and restaurant. While the two have no intentions of closing that beloved institution, Dae Gee will allow them to try their hands at something completely different. Carrie states “We’re really excited about this and we can’t wait. It’s fun to do something we haven’t tried before.”
“We love the food”, Brian says of the Korean cuisine. “We met with (Dae Gee founder) Joe Kim once we ate at the restaurant, and we really clicked with him.”
Dae Gee specializes in table-top preparation, allowing guests to truly be a part of every aspect of the meal, from ingredient selection, to preparation, to enjoying the fruits of their labors. The Devereuxs were particularly drawn to the way the restaurant actively engages its customers. Brian explains “It’s a great interactive family experience. Everyone’s around the table, cooking and talking together. It’s really family oriented-more of an experience-which makes eating out a little more fun.”
The pair plan to divide the running of the four planned locations between the two of them. Both have extensive experience in the restaurant world and understand the importance of being hands-on in successfully running the eateries.
While the Devereuxs are currently focused on finding locations for their first four Dae Gees, the couple remains open to the possibility of adding more restaurants in the future. “If the first four work, why not?”, Carrie laughs.
Carrie and Brian assure current Max Devros fans they have nothing to fear. The pair will still be involved in that restaurant and it will not undergo any changes. However, the community is already expressing hunger for Dae Gee’s fresh dining experience. Carrie sums it up, saying “Everyone is so excited-I cannot wait. We’re excited to introduce Dae Gee to New Jersey.”
