As newcomers to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Linda Lee and Sung Chun noticed there seemed to be a lack of Asian cuisine in the area. So, the longtime family friends decided to take action and open their own Korean-style restaurant: Mura Bar and Bakery.
Finding Small Business Financing
Lee and Chun had the vision, but next they needed financing. They tried several options, including brokers, investors, and other lenders, but little progress was being made toward a loan. Then, after months of trying, they were referred to CRF.
“With CRF, I felt that we had someone in our corner that was looking at our business from a different perspective,” Chun said.
In working with CRF, Lee and Chun received an SBA 7(a) loan for construction on their business space, to purchase equipment, inventory, and for working capital.
A New and Welcoming Experience
Mura Bar and Bakery will feature Asian staples such as milk bread and Bibimbap, using a unique delivery method: a conveyor belt.
The conveyer belt lets guests select small dishes from a moving platform, allowing them to try a variety of menu items during the dining experience. Plus, the design of smaller plates is also intended to reduce food waste that often takes place in the restaurant industry.
And while food is the focus of the business, Lee and Chun hope that it will serve an even greater purpose in the community.
They want Mura Bar and Bakery to be a place where people can come and learn about other cultures and have open discussions about their differences.
“Not only do we want to share culture and diversity, but we also want to try to create a positive work culture for employees,” Chun said.
“Transparency in a process like this is so valuable. CRF has been great at explaining each step along the way and how to make achieving them possible. That’s been amazing.”
Sung Chun – General Manager of Mura Bar and Bakery.
