Restaurant And Craft Beverage Weeks Kicks Off On Korean American Day In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Restaurant and Craft Beverage Weeks kicked off Thursday in Howard County at Sushi Q, a Korean American-owned restaurant in Jessup. Thursday also was Korean American Day. Approximately two dozen restaurants are participating in restaurant week, which runs from Jan. 17-30. Participating restaurants are offering dine-in, carry-out and delivery options with their menus.

“Howard County has an incredible restaurant scene, attracting so many foodies because of our diverse, cultural community and its varied cuisines,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “Our Korean American-owned businesses are an economic engine in our community. One of the best ways to connect with others in our community is through a meal. This winter, we’re reminded how important all of our small, local businesses are to our community – so make sure that you support our restaurants in the coming weeks.”

Korean American Day is celebrated Jan. 13 to mark 119 years since the first Korean immigrants arrived in the United States in 1903. To recognize the occasion, Ball was joined by Consul General Sei Joong Kwan, Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, and Judge Chung Pak, the Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings.

“My parents immigrated from Korea here to America and I am a first generation Korean American,” Jennifer Qiu, owner of Sushi Q, said. “I am now a businesswoman and mom. I am constantly on the run in between each of my restaurants, my other business ventures and working day and night to do what I love. During the pandemic, it was tough for all restaurants, but I also knew how important it was to give back and I am proud that we were able to provide food to hospital workers."