There’s a new Asian fusion style pub opening in downtown Victoria later this month.
With support from his longtime friends and business partners Eric Moon and Eric Zheng, Arnold Yeung is opening his first restaurant after working 10 years in the Victoria restaurant business.
For Yeung, the opportunity to open Victoria Pocha allows the longtime foodie the ability to run a restaurant his way.
“When opening your own restaurant you have more control. The places that I worked at have different work styles than I do. I always wanted to see what it feels like if I had my own restaurant,” Yeung told Victoria Buzz.
What started out as a vague idea between Yeung and Moon soon became a reality as Yeung spent the greater half of 2022 searching for a space to host his business.
Located on Yates Street, Victoria Pocha is replacing the home of King Sejong Restaurant, a long time Korean food staple in Victoria.
“The previous owners wanted to retire. They were going to give their business to their daughters but their children were looking for something other than restaurant owners. It was sad seeing the business cycling out.”
The new introduction of Victoria Pocha will offer guests a traditional restaurant atmosphere with a modern focus on street food and pub style dishes.
While serving an array of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, Korean food will remain the primary focus of the restaurant’s menu.
Guests who are new to Asian fusion meals will enjoy their signature soy garlic pork ribs on their feature menu.
With plenty of applications pouring in and a few more kitchen and serving positions yet to fill, Yeung says their vision is finally coming to reality.
As construction on the restaurant’s interior wraps up this month, Yeung is excited to launch Victoria Pocha at the end of January.
“It’s my first time opening up my own restaurant so it’s going to be huge. It’s always an adventure trying something different. It will be a challenge for me but I will make the most of it.”
Victoria Pocha
- Where: Victoria Pocha, 650 Yates Street
- When: Doors open at end of January.
