Meet Hak Sung Kim | Chef & Owner Brunch at Peony

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hak Sung Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hak Sung, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Three years before our grand opening, my partner and dear friend, Kim Joon Dong, and I envisioned a bold new culinary venture. We meticulously planned every detail—from the type of cuisine and target clientele to the ideal location, scale of operations, and necessary investment. Once we decided to focus on brunch, I set out to create an experience that would stand apart in every way. My goal was to offer unique dishes that struck the perfect balance between affordability, quality, and speed, while also designing a warm, boutique atmosphere through careful attention to interior design.

Bringing these ideas to life required relentless dedication. I spent countless days and nights sketching every corner of our space to ensure maximum efficiency, drafting numerous plans to optimize each area. I also experimented with hundreds of test dishes, perfecting each recipe to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience for our future guests. Today, all that hard work has paid off—Peony continues to thrive, a testament to our passion and perseverance.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Embarking on this venture was far from easy. The brunch scene is incredibly competitive, with well-established giants dominating the market. The risk was high, and survival depended on carving out a unique niche without straying too far from the traditional American brunch.

To stand out, I took a bold step by introducing a European-inspired menu. This change was a calculated risk—I wasn’t sure how our customers would react. However, seeing the look of amazement on their faces every time their orders arrive, fills me with an incomparable thrill, much like the joy a parent feels when watching their child delight in a home-cooked meal.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for overcoming challenges. For me, success lies in focusing on the smallest details—both in the quality of our food and the ambiance of the establishment—and in maintaining unwavering perseverance. Although I’m cautious about declaring victory too soon, I truly believe we’re on the right path.

Looking ahead, my vision is to build my own brand and establish a national franchise that offers the world a unique brunch experience—one that could eventually become a tradition as iconic as waffles or French toast. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a humble chef who reimagined the conventional brunch, adding a distinctive touch to our local culinary scene.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Great question! Georgia is an incredibly beautiful state. I live in Fulton County and absolutely love this area, as well as Forsyth County. The balance between nature—especially the forests—and human development is truly impressive. Since childhood, I’ve dreamed of living in a place like this, and I still vividly remember the awe I felt when I saw a deer right next to my restaurant.

Each season offers something special. In spring, I highly recommend hiking along Big Creek Greenway and visiting Gibbs Gardens, where the flowers are absolutely breathtaking. In summer, without a doubt, I’d head straight to Helen—a charming town where you can go tubing, visit Ruby Falls, and gather around a fire for a barbecue. It’s almost like paradise. Camping at various spots around Lake Lanier is also a must.

Autumn is magical, with vibrant foliage everywhere. Enjoying a coffee at Chattahoochee Coffee Company by the river is the perfect way to take in the beauty of the season. Another great option is exploring Vickery Creek Park in Roswell.

In winter, shopping destinations like Avalon transform into enchanting spaces with festive lights and decorations, making the season feel truly magical. And, of course, no visit is complete without stopping by Antico for the best pizza in Georgia!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success is not achieved alone; we always need help, motivation, and support from others or even from books. In my case, I give thanks and glory to God above all, as I am a Christian.

I wish to express my deep gratitude to my wife, Hyun Sook Jin, (insta: barista_mica) with whom I have been married for 20 years and who is now an excellent barista in our business. She has supported and endured me through times of total decline, always trusting in me and what I do. In fact, my formal professional gastronomic career was her idea.

I am grateful to my partner and childhood friend, Kim Joon Dong, who fully trusted me and invested in this project despite the great risks. Without his support, I would not have reached this point.

My children never lost faith that their father was fighting for a better life, and their trust has been a fundamental pillar.

I appreciate all my staff; without whose effort and dedication I would not have achieved my current position.

I also extend my gratitude to all our regular and new customers who have trusted our products and complimented us for them. Their sincere compliments are always incredibly moving.

Finally, I thank magazines like Atlanta Shoutouts for considering us and supporting this small endeavor.

Instagram: brunch_at_peony

Facebook: brunch_at_peony

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brunch-at-peony-suwanee?osq=Brunch%20at%20Peony

Image Credits

Hak Sung Kim, Joon Dong Kim, Hyun Sook Jin, Daniel Kim, Herman, Felix