The Story of Flame Broiler
South Korea to California
Our founders, Sarah and Young Lee
In 1972, Young Lee immigrated from a rural town in South Korea to the bustling city of Los Angeles with the hopes of a better life. After meeting his wife Sarah and getting married, they settled down in Orange County, CA with their growing family.
The Lee Family in Orange County, CA in 1999
Becoming “The Rice Bowl King”
Like many young working parents, they experienced the hardship of making ends meet while trying to feed their family with the highest quality food they could afford. Frustrated by the daily battle of nutrition insecurity and affordable options, they decided to create their own solution.
Combining traditional Korean flavors with a unique taste of Los Angeles, they created food that truly mirrored their Korean-American identities during a time when Asian flavors were unknown in the mainstream industry. This would become the first Flame Broiler location. What started from one humble mom-and-pop location in 1995, spread throughout Southern California and eventually became the national brand Flame Broiler is today, earning the title “The Rice Bowl King”.
Young Lee at the original “Store One” Flame Broiler restaurant
A Legacy of Generosity
Store One in Fullerton, CA
Generosity and giving back to the community has always been an unwavering commitment for the Lee family, regardless of good or tough times. When they opened the first restaurant in 1995, despite the fact that they were budding business owners with no funding, putting their humble savings on the line, risking it all in a high failure rate industry, they donated 100% of their first week’s sales to charity.
“Flame Broiler has never been just a business, but always a vehicle for doing good and a platform to serve others. The reason I opened my first restaurant is simple: to feed people the best, most healthful food possible. That has been my focus from day one and is still my commitment today.”
— Young Lee, Founder
Present Day
In 2025, the formal establishment of the Flame Broiler Foundation represents a full circle back to the family's original mission. As the philanthropic arm of the brand, the Foundation represents the family’s strengthened commitment to advancing food equity and inspiring communities towards health.
Present Day, Lee Family
Flame Broiler remains a family-run business of two generations, as Young and Sarah’s three sons – Daniel, Christian, and David – have all joined the business. We are dedicated to continuing the brand’s legacy and mission of providing greater access to healthy food in all communities.
“My parents’ legacy of generosity and giving back to the community is something my brothers and I are incredibly proud to carry on. Through the Foundation, we are excited to expand our impact, so that every neighborhood has access to good nutritious food – which has always been our family’s dream.
— Christian Lee, President & COO