At the age of 12, Jeannie Kim immigrated from South Korea to San Francisco alongside her family, carrying the shared promise of new beginnings and expanded horizons. While family-owned restaurants were the backdrop of her youth,Jeannie initially felt called to a different form of community service. She earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies and later a Master of Divinity, becoming an ordained minister dedicated to pastoral care, counseling, and Christian education. Across years of ministry, her core mission remained steadfast: to cultivate safe, welcoming spaces grounded in acceptance,compassion, and authentic care.

When Jeannie returned to hospitality, she brought her pastoral heart with her. Taking over the family establishment, she renamed it SAM’s—an acronym honoring her three children: Samuel, Abigail, and Micah. Approaching restaurant leadership without a conventional corporate background, Jeannie managed the dining room much like a congregation:prioritizing deep relationships, genuine hospitality, and community connection. Under her stewardship, SAM’s became a beloved neighborhood beacon.

Her vision for community-driven dining continued to evolve. Partnering with Jakub Przybyszewski, Jeannie co-founded the acclaimed Fermentation Lab on Market Street. The concept’s rapid success and loyal following soon paved the way for expansion into Japantown, broadening the menu to showcase fermentation through both craft beverages and innovative cuisine.

During the pandemic, Jeannie founded Divine Indulgence Catering, meeting a challenging moment with comfort and culinary craftsmanship. Through bespoke private dinners, curated wine pairings, and intimate celebrations, she brought high-touch, Seoul-ful dining experiences directly to homes across the Bay Area.

Today, Jeannie brings her signature blend of empathy, operational warmth, and community-first vision to BHMG, continually proving that great hospitality is, above all, the art of caring for people.