King Kogy has been softly opened for almost two weeks now, but I actually stopped by on the first day (New Year’s Eve). I had been reluctant to post because it was so new, and it was clear from the start that they were working through some kinks. I went back tonight to give it another go for dinner because I really want to like this place. It is located between my chiropractor (shout out to Dr. Colin Hines, who really works miracles) and my dry cleaner. With such a prime location, I figured King Kogy would be a perfect spot to add to my after school snack rotation.

King Kogi is owned by SCV residents Ju Yiadom and her husband (a stuntman!). As a mother of three, she wanted to open up a restaurant that was different but also family friendly. As world travelers, the food at King Kogi is definitely inspired by their own cultures and trips throughout the world.

The menu is composed of 4 meats: citrus herb chicken, j-jerk chicken, savory BBQ beef, and spicy BBQ pork, which can then be prepared in a wrap, baguette, rice box, or salad. The meats are prepared on a spit and carved to order. The citrus herb chicken (pictured below) is served banh mi style on a toasted baguette. Not happy with the previous bread they were using, the owners have made changes, and the results are much much better than the first time I had this sandwich in late December.

Pictured below is the savory BBQ beef BB-Box. It is served with carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, kale (topped with a sesame vinaigrette), green onions, and toasted sesame seeds over rice. This is their most popular item at the moment. It tasted fine by itself, but let me tell you…the spicy red pepper sauce really makes the meal.

My favorite thing about King Kogy is the soda selection. They have clementine IZZE on tap! I’ve never seen that before!

They also carry Stubborn Soda, which is Pepsi’s “craft soda” line that they are testing out in certain markets. Something a bit different than the usual fountain drink selections.

 

King Kogy is very much in a soft opening phase, so please go in there with an open mind. The owners are incredibly receptive to constructive criticism and are fine tuning everything before announcing their grand opening. The wait times may be a little longer than usual as they train new staff, but just know that this is a local small business, and that is exactly what we need in Santa Clarita.

King Kogy is located at 28108 Newhall Ranch Road in Valencia.