More than just a café, SŌHN is a space built around the spirit of collaboration. The name itself, derived from the Korean word for “hand” (손), speaks to the concept’s ethos: “many hands, made for all.” From handcrafted dishes to curated retail, thoughtful design, and community-centered events, every element has been shaped by a diverse team of creatives, chefs, builders, and artists.
The space features a seasonal Korean American-inspired café menu, highlighting comforting dishes, house-made banana milk, and inventive takes on jook and breakfast sandwiches. Guests can enjoy a thoughtfully curated beverage program that includes specialty coffee, roasted in partnership with the current reigning U.S. Barista Champion, Frank La of Be Bright, and matcha sourced from Kettl.
In addition, a curated retail corner by MAUM showcases handcrafted Korean and Korean American goods from over 30 makers. SŌHN also serves as a cultural platform with a rotating calendar of artist residencies, workshops, and collaboration dinners, making it a vibrant daytime hub for community and creativity.
Designed by Cathie Hong Interiors, a local Bay Area designer, this is her first commercial project, intentionally chosen for her ability to bring a residential, homey warmth to our industrial space, blending warm California modernism with elements inspired by Korean heritage.
the hands behind sŌHN
deuki hong
owner + operator
Deuki Hong is a Korean-American chef and owner of Sunday Hospitality Group based in San Francisco, CA, who has been recognized as an Eater Young Gun, Zagat 30 Under 30, and Forbes’ 30 Under 30. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Deuki first began working as a line cook under Aarón Sánchez at Centrico in New York City, then went on to work at Momofuku and Michelin three-starred Jean-Georges. He was also the executive chef of Manhattan’s Baekjeong, which caught the attention of top chefs including Anthony Bourdain, Benu’s Corey Lee, and his old boss, David Chang. He has been featured in numerous media outlets, including The Today Show and CNN. In 2017, he launched the Sunday Hospitality Group — a collective of restaurants that platforms various culinary, pastry and beverage talent. He is also co-author of the New York Times Best Seller, “Koreatown: A Cookbook” (2016) and “Koreaworld: A Cookbook” (2024).
janet lee
managing partner
Janet Lee is a seasoned hospitality professional with over fifteen years of experience leading strategy, operations, and guest experience in San Francisco’s top hospitality institutions. Born and raised in San Francisco, she brings a deep-rooted connection to the city into every project she touches.
Janet’s career spans renowned establishments including The Four Seasons and then three Michelin-starred Saison, where she managed all VIP relations and high-profile events for clients like Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and American Express. She was also a founding partner of The Sunday Family Hospitality Group with Deuki Hong, where she served as the opening General Manager for the café inside the Asian Art Museum. Most recently, she worked at a San Francisco-based hospitality consulting firm, where she managed operations for a wide range of restaurant openings across the U.S.: from food halls and pizzerias to event spaces and fine dining concepts.
At SŌHN, Janet serves as Managing Partner, overseeing all operations, partnerships, and programming. With a passion for creating inclusive, intentional spaces that reflect both culture and community, she’s helped bring SŌHN to life as a neighborhood café and gathering space rooted in Korean American identity. Her strength lies in translating vision into seamless execution, always with a deep care for both people and place.