Johns Creek, August 27, 2026 — After more than a year of planning, Sean Kim finally got to throw open the doors of Rocky Claws, his new Cajun-inspired seafood boil restaurant tucked into a busy strip mall across from Technology Park.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for Kim, who already runs two thriving Rocky Claws locations in South Korea, the first opened in Seoul’s Yeongnamdong neighborhood back in 2017, a spot known for drawing a hip, younger crowd, with a second location following inside the Shinsegae Department Store, one of the country’s largest retailers. Now he’s bringing the concept stateside, and Johns Creek is where he chose to plant the flag.
“We had a couple of locations already in South Korea,” Kim said, “but after that we decided to expand to the United States. Since I live in Georgia, we wanted to find the best possible spot for our very first U.S. location.” He pointed to the city’s diversity as the deciding factor. “Johns Creek has a very dynamic environment and a diverse demographic. That’s what made us choose it.”
The menu leans heavily into the Cajun seafood boil tradition, with crawfish, king crab legs, Atlantic lobster, and shrimp all available by the pound, tossed in-house sauces and spice blends. For those who’d rather eat with bread than a bib, Rocky Claws also serves up Po’Boys stuffed with shrimp, fish, calamari, chicken, an oyster-and-shrimp combo, or soft-shell crab. Round things out with a bowl of gumbo, clam chowder, or mac and cheese, and there’s something for diners who aren’t quite ready to crack into a crab leg.
Kim, who comes from an IT background, has built the business around convenience. “We really try to focus on online ordering and having everything under one system,” he explained. Customers can order for delivery online or place a classic phone call for takeout. The restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays.
The opening didn’t go unnoticed at City Hall, either. Johns Creek City Council member Bob Erramilli, now in his second term representing Post 3, stopped by to celebrate the launch and said the city is better for it.
“Businesses like this add character to the city,” Erramilli said. “They diversify, and they reflect the demographics of the population. When I see people coming here and opening up businesses, it’s such a good thing. It brings character to the community.” He added that he’s watched a steady stream of small businesses take root and grow in Johns Creek during his time on the council, calling it one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Asked whether the city actively supports its immigrant small-business community, Erramilli didn’t hesitate. “America is built on immigrants and we’re part of America,” he said. “If you see me being elected here, that shows Johns Creek does support diversity.”
Rocky Claws
“Rock The Cajun Feast”
11300 Medlocak bridge Road, Suite 340
Johns Creek GA 30097
Tel 470.239.0499
RockyClaws.com
