For the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Shin Starr, witnessing their remarkable innovation in the world of food tech. Their latest venture, OLHSO Korean BBQ and Seafood—a groundbreaking, unmanned robotic mobile kitchen—is now officially on the road, bringing the authentic flavors of Korean BBQ to customers in a way that’s never been done before.
We couldn’t be more excited to share their incredible journey with our audience. From their roots in combining tradition with cutting-edge robotics to their future plans of redefining food delivery and dining experiences, Kish and Jay from Shin Starr have a story that’s as inspiring as it is delicious. We sat down with them to dive deeper into the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind OLHSO.
1. Tell us about how OLHSO got started?
OLHSO was made to bring the magic of Korean BBQ—fresh, hot, and cooked right in front of you—into a new era using cutting-edge technology. Kish and Jay came together with a shared passion for food and innovation to make it happen.
Kish and Jay had already laid the groundwork with Shin Starr Presents, a food tech company they founded in South Korea in 2019. Their innovations included automated cooking equipment, like the auto-wok, capable of perfecting any stir-fry recipe. Kish brought years of experience in Korean BBQ, having worked extensively with high-profile concepts including Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, a globally recognized Korean BBQ sensation, while Jay’s tech investment background fueled his fascination with robotics.
We envisioned OLHSO as a blend of tradition and innovation, honoring the experience of Korean BBQ while redefining its possibilities. The core of Korean BBQ is eating while it’s cooked fresh and hot. That’s why tabletop grills are central to the experience. And, to ensure authenticity even further, we partnered with Chef Sungil Han, one of Korea’s celebrated chefs. His expertise guided the creation of a menu that underwent over 50 meticulous iterations to perfect every detail—from meat cuts to marinades.
With Chef Han’s culinary mastery and our tech innovation, OLHSO became the first U.S.-certified unmanned robotic mobile kitchen. This technology allows meals to finish cooking en route to customers, ensuring they receive dishes at peak freshness—averaging just 3.39 minutes from cooking completion to delivery.
As COO, I’ve witnessed firsthand how our approach transforms food delivery by solving one of its biggest challenges: keeping food fresh and hot. Traditional delivery often delivers food long after it’s ready, leaving it lukewarm or cold by the time it arrives. In contrast, our trucks calculate delivery distance and cook en route, so customers receive meals that are as fresh and hot as if grilled at their table.
2. How can people bring the truck to their event?
The best way to request the OLHSO truck for your event is to submit an inquiry through our website or give us a call. Simply let us know your event details, such as the date, location, and expected number of guests, and our team will guide you through the process.
We’ll work with you to customize the menu and finalize logistics, ensuring the truck is ready to deliver the same fresh, hot Korean BBQ experience we’re known for.
On the day of your event, our truck will arrive equipped to prepare meals on-site or cook en route, depending on your preference. This ensures your guests enjoy authentic Korean BBQ dishes served fresh and hot—an unforgettable experience for any occasion.
Whether it’s a private party, corporate gathering, or festival, OLHSO brings a unique blend of tradition and innovation to make your event truly special.
3. What next for you guys?
Conquering Korean BBQ delivery first—we’re gearing up to launch our flagship brick-and-mortar location: OLHSO House, a Korean BBQ and Seafood destination led by Chef Han. Customers can expect more immersive dining surprises in store there, along with the latest cooking technology for their chefs and authentic culinary excellence that defines OLHSO.
Looking ahead, we’re also developing an innovative vending machine concept, expected to launch next year. These machines will bring OLHSO’s fresh, high-quality Korean dishes to even more people, offering a convenient, on-the-go dining option powered by our advanced cooking technology.
The future is all about blending tradition with innovation and expanding the ways we deliver Korean BBQ to our customers.
4. What was the most challenging part of making the truck/robot work?
After developing the system that can operate under cook-en-route conditions, the biggest challenge was getting the certification for sanitation and safety for this specific concept. There isn’t really an exact code or standard for this type of operation because it’s so new; getting the permit, that aspect was pretty challenging.
It was a challenge the company anticipated though, and the San Mateo County Health Department, along with the other government agencies involved, have been helpful and supportive – albeit slightly confused by the concept at first.
