Noodle shop opens on south side

A longtime Asian market owner has launched a new concept in south Springfield.

Kuick Noodles LLC, a self-service restaurant, held an April 14 grand opening at 3165 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. B7, said owner Sangyeal Lee. The eatery is a Korean-inspired quick noodle shop that Lee said was a venture he wanted to launch after deciding last year to close Asian Food & Gift LLC, a market at 1314 S. Glenstone Ave. he opened in 2003.

That’s not to say Asian market ownership is in Lee’s rearview, as he plans to take over as owner-operator of another similar business in 2026.

“I’m actually taking over the Seoul Oriental Market next year,” Lee said of plans to purchase the Young’s Plaza business from Young Choe when he retires. “In between, we wanted to put something into the shopping center so we can have some atmosphere and be a place for kids to visit. That’s why I closed my place last year.”

Lee declined to disclose startup costs and lease terms with Young’s Plaza LLC for his 2,200-square-foot eatery.

Kuick Noodles is in the Young’s Plaza shopping center behind Seoul Oriental Market. According to Kuick Noodles’ Facebook page, the eatery has over 100 types of noodles and rice cakes from Asia, including Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Customers can cook the ramen in the restaurant’s self-service machines, which shop officials say were imported from Korea. Add-ons such as bean sprouts, eggs and green onions also are available.

Additionally, Kuick Noodles sells dumplings, Japanese rice balls called onigiri, steamed buns and sweeter options, including cakes and Asian ice cream.