In case you missed it: Here’s what’s opening in the old west-side Jose Pepper’s
This topic has been covered in the past, but it seems that many readers missed it.
Lately, several people have messaged me asking what’s going at the old Jose Pepper’s spot at 2243 N. Tyler, where construction is well underway and the framing of a new entrance has been added.
The answer: Local restaurateurs Julie and George Yang are turning it into a west-side location of KPOT, which is an all-you-can eat Asian Hot Pot and Korean barbecue chain. The Yangs opened Wichita’s first KPOT to big crowds and long waits in October at Towne East Square.
Julie Yang said this week that they’re hoping to have the west-side KPOT open by late September.
The Yangs also are the owners of The Sweet Spot, a fine dining restaurant that moved early this year from its home at 8448 W. Central to the old Doma space that sits northwest of Towne East Square.
They also are the founders of Super East Buffet, which opened in March at 7607 E. Douglas, right next door to The Sweet Spot. But the couple recently sold that business to new owners.
The Yangs are the Wichita franchisees for KPOT, a national chain that has more than 160 restaurants across the country. The restaurants invite diners to build their own Korean-style BBQ or hot pot meals. Diners get raw, seasoned meat, seafood and veggies that they either cook themselves on a grill built into the center of the table or boil themselves in broth that’s simmering on hot plates built into the table.
Those who pick the barbecue option can choose from several different types of beef, chicken, pork, seafood and veggies. Those who want to make hot pot soup choose a soup base with choices like Thai Tom Yum, Japanese Miso, tomato and “healthy herbs.” They then can pick which meats, seafood, veggies, tofu and noodles they want.
Customers pay a flat price for the all-you-can-eat meals. A timer is set, and, using a tablet that’s left at the table, they can reorder as many times as they want before the timer goes off. They can get just Korean BBQ, just hot pot, or both. There’s also a self-serve bar where customers can load up on sauces, herbs and extras.
The east-side restaurant is located near the southeast entrance of the Towne East Square.
This story was originally published July 30, 2025 at 2:28 PM.
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