After 20 Years, Choe Still Has Passion for Community Restaurant

Mark's Kitchen is firmly rooted in Takoma Park.

When Mark Choe came to the United States from Korea in 1985 he wanted to be independent. He was the baby of the family and decided that if he didn't leave his native country he'd never be able to do anything for himself. Now, Choe owns a successful restaurant in downtown Takoma Park and is in a position to give back to the community that made him an independent man. But his start in the food industry 25 years ago was not at a hip, vegetarian-friendly café. Choe made his culinary debut at Riverdale Lanes on Route 1. "I made pizza, and I cleaned floors," Choe said. "I learned very fast." And after three years of that, he made the move to Takoma Park and opened a small grocery story where the Subway sandwich shop is now in downtown. "He …

• Photos (3)