A warm welcome to the new owners of MiYO Cafe
New owners Janet Kweon and Hoon Jung pose outside of their new restaurant, MiYO Cafe in the Village Shops.
In late November, after twelve years, seven months and eleven days of ownership, Donna and Gary Stern sold MiYO (Make it Your Own) Cafe to new owners. With its sunny patio and comfort food, MiYO has been a bustling cornerstone in the Village Shops and a place to enjoy a meal surrounded by friendly faces since 2009.
The community staple for breakfast, lunch and all things delicious is now owned by Janet Kweon and Hoon Jung. Janet and Hoon grew up in the Denver area, and after bouncing around surrounding cities, they landed in Castle Rock two years ago, being drawn in by the older, historic neighborhoods coexisting with newer, exciting developments.
Hoon explained, “After living in different areas of Colorado, the moment we got a feel for the Castle Rock community we knew it was a community we wanted to be a part of.”
The couple discovered MiYO thanks to Hoon’s older sister, a commercial real estate agent, who mentioned a breakfast restaurant was for sale near their new home. “At a moment’s notice, we drove down, checked the place out and immediately fell in love,” said Hoon.
Hoon has been a sushi chef for more than ten years, and the couple have both worked in the restaurant industry for a long time. In fact, they met while working together and share a passion for food.
Aside from being foodies, Janet and Hoon both enjoy hiking, camping, paddleboarding and fishing. Their adorable three-year-old Shiba Inu, Tako, gets to join in the fun, and goes along for the ride on their mountain adventures. Hoon is also a snowboarder. Janet enjoys decorating, interior design, crafting and running.
MiYO is not Janet and Hoon’s first restaurant. They also own Joy Sushi in Lone Tree, an all-you-can-eat establishment.
Taking over a local staple is no easy feat, but Janet and Hoon say they are up for the challenge. Even though they have only been owners for two months, they are already feeling the warmth and kindness of locals. Hoon added that meeting members of the community at MiYO gives them the additional benefit of learning more about Castle Pines and Castle Rock and how to get involved in local events. They both love to explore their new home and find all of the best spots to eat, drink, hike and meet new people.
“As new residents, we have felt welcomed in, with much love,” Hoon stated, adding that “so many communities have been disconnected through an online presence, and this place has a warmth that resonates.”
MiYO is located at 858 West Happy Canyon Road, and is currently open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Visit miyocafe.com for more information.
MiYO is hosting a farewell party that is open to all on January 5 – check out page 3 in this month’s E Guide for more information.
Tako, Janet and Hoon’s 3-year-old Shiba Inu, out on a hike.
By Marly Holsman; photos courtesy of Janet Kweon and Hoon Jung
