How a Halethorpe hotspot became a community hub and a breast cancer survivor’s testament to resilience

For many in Halethorpe, Honey’s Bar & Grill has become more than just a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat. It has grown into a cornerstone of the community. What started as a family vision rooted in the tradition of big Sunday dinners has blossomed into a gathering space that reflects Baltimore County’s spirit of resilience, connection and care.

At the helm are Mun Ja Kang and her daughter Soo Mi Kang, co-owners of Honey’s. Together they have built a thriving business grounded in family values and strengthened by perseverance. For Soo Mi, a breast cancer survivor, Honey’s is more than a restaurant. It is a symbol of courage, healing and community.

The inspiration for Honey’s can be traced back to the Sunday family dinners that defined the Kang household. Those meals brought together cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents around tables filled with food and laughter. “Those dinners weren’t just meals, they were memories,” Soo Mi recalls. That same sense of connection is woven into the atmosphere at Honey’s today. With Mun Ja managing the day-to-day operations and Soo Mi owning the building and co-leading strategy, the bar is a true family venture. Customers who come in for wings, pool leagues or just conversation are treated like extended family. “When I see people gathering here, it feels like those Sunday dinners all over again,” Mun Ja says.

Of course, building a business has not been without challenges. The bar and restaurant industry is often dominated by men, and both women had to prove themselves. “There were times people didn’t take us seriously,” Soo Mi recalls. “But we kept going. Good food, a great atmosphere and treating people right speaks louder than anything else.” Those lessons in resilience proved even more meaningful when Soo Mi faced her own health battle. Her journey through breast cancer deepened her sense of purpose. “That experience made me stronger, but also more compassionate,” she reflects. “Life is too short not to create a place where people feel at home and supported. Honey’s is my way of giving that back.”

That philosophy extends to the menu, which tells the Kang family’s story in every dish. Signature items like Yum Yum Wings and Fire Chicken blend their Korean heritage with the energy of a sports bar. Even the name carries a personal touch. Honey’s was named after the family’s first dog, Honey Bunny, and real honey is used in the kitchen instead of refined sugar. It is a small but meaningful choice that makes the food distinctive and healthier too.

While the food brings many people in the door, it is not the only reason they stay. Regulars point to the APA pool leagues, the Break and Brew series with local breweries, and the welcoming atmosphere as reasons they return again and again. For most, it is the combination of all these things — the flavors, the activities and the warmth of the space — that creates the unique Honey’s experience.

That growing reputation has also allowed the Kangs to expand their role in the community. Honey’s has steadily become a hub for local events and collaborations, and the family hopes to build on that momentum with more community-driven programming in the future. Their advice to other entrepreneurs, especially women and minority business owners, reflects their own journey. “Trust your gut,” they say. “Stay true to yourself and your vision, and your community will support you.”

This commitment to community is especially visible in October, a month that holds deep personal meaning for Soo Mi. As a breast cancer survivor, she honors Breast Cancer Awareness Month through fundraising and education. This year Honey’s is hosting a Brunch and Browse Vendor Fair to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The event will not only raise awareness and funds but also provide a platform for local small businesses. For Soo Mi, it is another way of giving back, turning her own experience of survival into hope for others.

For the Kang family, Honey’s Bar & Grill is about more than food or drink. It is about joy, resilience and belonging. “It is not just about running a business,” Soo Mi says. “It is about using Honey’s to spread awareness, celebrate resilience and give people a place to belong.”