After Five Years Slinging Popular Korean Food, Capitol Hill’s Trove Will Close Soon

A Capitol Hill favorite is about to say goodbye. Through an email sent to friends and family last night, star chef Rachel Yang announced that she and her husband, Seif Chirchi, will be closing their acclaimed Korean barbecue/noodle/parfait restaurant, Trove, on June 30 after five years on East Pike Street. “It has been an incredible experience and opportunity to be able to call Trove our home. For those who have watched us closely over the years know how much we have worked to make Trove relevant,” Yang wrote. “This industry is tough and this wasn’t our turn.”

Since opening in 2014 as a cook-it-yourself barbecue restaurant, noodle shop, bar, and parfait purveyor all in one, Trove received praise from critics for its ambition and style (it’s on Eater Seattle’s list of highest-quality Korean restaurants). After adding a late-night happy hour, Trove eventually attempted to bring its elements together more cohesively. Meanwhile, customers continue to enjoy the towers of meat and the playful atmosphere, which includes part of an ice cream truck parked inside. According to Yang, the spot will eventually house a new business, but Yang and Chirchi will host pop-ups, cooking classes, and private dinners there in the meantime, once Trove closes.

Sad as it is to see Trove go, Seattle fans of Yang and Chirchi’s food will still be able to enjoy it at the highly-regarded Joule (one of Eater Seattle’s 38 essential restaurants) and the popular Korean street food destination Revel, which is on its way to Fremont from South Lake Union in late fall.

• Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi Are Closing Trove [Seattle Met]
• Seattle’s 12 Highest-Quality Korean Restaurants [ESEA]
• All coverage of Trove [ESEA]
• Trove [Official]