An end of an era: 70’s Kimchi bids farewell to its iconic Shangri-La Plaza branch
For 24 years, 70’s Kimchi has been a familiar, comforting constant in Shangri-La Plaza's food court. It was the place where students went for budget-friendly food, where families shared meals, and where loyal patrons found a taste of good Korean favorites. But, as all beautiful chapters go, this iconic branch is drawing to a close.
Owner Bry Abengoza recently shared the bittersweet news on social media, saying 70’s Kimchi will serve its final meal at the Shangri-La Plaza branch on April 30.
"Tough conversations today with the team," Abengoza wrote on social media. "We shared that our Shangri-la Plaza branch will close on April 30. Rising costs have made mall retail unsustainable if we want to keep 70’s Kimchi affordable and true to quality."
Legacy rebuilt on hard work
The story of 70’s Kimchi is deeply personal. It began as Kimchi in 1973 with Bernard Kim, but its heartbeat became Bry’s mother, Erlinda Ramirez. Starting as a cashier, Ramirez rose to become a business partner.
When it came time for her to quit in 2002, the company found itself unable to provide separation pay. Instead, Kim gifted the Shangri-La branch to Ramirez with a simple written note. She rebranded the store, poured her heart into it, and kept the legacy alive long after the other food court branches had closed its doors.
"When we rebranded, our loyal customers—even those from the 70s—were so happy we were still around," Abengoza recalled.
More than just a meal
Over the years, the brand evolved alongside the mall, but the emotional connection remained rooted in those humble beginnings.
"Meron talaga siyang emotional attachment," Abengoza shared. "It brings a lot of memories from humble beginnings. Diba nung student palang sila, nag liligawan, doon dinadala sa Kimchi para mag date kasi mura yung food [and] masarap pa," she said.
The outpouring of love from the community has been overwhelming, too. Longtime fans have been flooding their social media with stories: one shared that it was the only stall they’d eat at in the food court since the 90s, while others lamented that they’d been loyal customers since childhood.
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One more user "regret" not being able to visit the stall when he visited Manila. "Praying there will be another location in the same general area to serve your suki."
Not a goodbye
While the physical stall at the Shangri-La food court is closing, this isn't the end of the 70’s Kimchi.
"It’s a sad phase for us, especially for our staff who have been with us for decades," Abengoza admitted. "But we’re just adjusting to regain our strength."
Abengoza is already hard at work on the next chapter. She has been developing a line of "Frozen Faves," ensuring that their signature flavors can still find a home in your fridge. Furthermore, the team is actively scouting for a new, smaller space in Mandaluyong, QC, or San Juan to serve as a hub.
"It’s about time for us to move on," Abengoza said. "Good thing before we actually expressed our intention to leave the mall, I have started to develop the frozen packs. Sabi ko, para kung ano mangyari, hindi mawawala. Pwede pa rin nila uwi yung food."
In the end, Abengoza is still grateful for the support customers have shown.
"Very heartwaring talaga even if they know hindi naman kami mag shu-shut down talaga as a business—we are just trying to adjust and regain our strength. It's really like a sad phase for us, especially for the staff na ang tagal na, dekada na ulit," she said.
