There is a new business in town. And it is not just new to town, but to the downtown and what it offers one of the owners assures is new as well.

 

On Monday, Main Street saw its newest addition as Authentically Mia’s open for business. For those wondering why owner Ricky Henderson, who operates the business with his wife Mia, says it is something new, it is because he has sampled what is on the menu for years.

 

What is on the menu is Korean fare. While that alone may make it unique, Henderson says it has Mia’s own spin on it with some American additions.

 

“That’s why you see on our sign and on our menu that we’re not authentically Korean. We’re authentically Mia, which led to the name,” said Henderson.

 

For those wondering if the name Ricky Henderson rings a bell, it is because he is local. Not continually local, but local.

 

“I’m originally from here, a Bridgeport High School graduate in 1990 who went to the military for 20-plus years in the Air Force,” said Henderson. “I came back here two and a half years ago and I’m doing this, selling real estate, and am a co-owner of a contracting company.”

 

As one may be able to tell, Henderson does not mind keeping his plate full. Now, he is hoping to keep the area’s lunch crowd’s plates full – and eventually empty – as well.

 

“This is our first restaurant venture, and the food is my wife’s. She was born in South Korea and came to the United States when she was 16 years old,” said Henderson. “Cooking wasn’t necessarily her passion, but she developed into it as a mother of four.”

 

As she cooked stateside, she prepared her meals with family recipes. Along the way, she adapted and changed some things around to give it her own spin on Korean cuisine. The food, said Henderson, was a hit beyond just the family.

 

“Everywhere we’ve been, when there’s been something like a military function where she prepared food, people were tripping over themselves to get to the food,” said Henderson. “I always said we could sell this, make some money, and provide a quality product.

 

“Eventually, we decided that it was time to roll the dice,” he continued. “She is such a great cook, and we’re actually in a proof of concept with this operation, but we think it will work.”

 

A good sign came when their current location – the former Twinkles and Sprinkles building – hit the market. Being in real estate, Henderson saw it early and got a good look at what it offered.

 

“It was outfitted for a restaurant setting and is just about 3 minutes from where we live. It had the refrigerator, stove and three base sinks along with cases and displays,” said Henderson. “I guess it was a good sign to act. We decided if we’re every going to do it, this was the time.”

 

What can customers expect?

 

“They can expect something they’ve never had before. As I said, it is (Mia’s) version of Korean food. There will be some flavors and spices people have never had before,” said Henderson.

 

Platters such as beef and pork bulgogi, California Rolls, egg fried rice, salads, homemade sauces (such as their Dragon Sauce) and, the specialty, egg rolls, are part of what is offered.

 

“We center the menu around the egg roll. I think people will love the egg rolls and everything we offer,” said Henderson. “The egg roll is not a typical Chinese restaurant egg roll. Wherever she’s prepared egg rolls, people tell her over and over it’s the best they’ve ever had.”

 

Business in the early days has been brisk, and that is the result of word of mouth and their Facebook page. The restaurant is lunch only with hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

 

“It is a narrow menu, which may be expanded, along with services, at a later date,” said Henderson.

 

One of the things he hopes to do sooner as opposed to later is to offer business delivery to larger area businesses. He said that will take place once they get “more comfortable” with their operation. Further down the road, he said, a food truck could be in order.

 

“There is a possibility of growing the Asian food truck model,” said Henderson.

 

Further down the line, as well, may be a few evening hours. Henderson said that will allow people to get platters for dinner.

 

“We’re taking it slow and want to walk before we run. We’re actually crawling, and that first day, I felt like a baby lying on my back,” said Henderson with a laugh. “We’ll get there, and everyone has been so kind to us early on.”

 

The business is physically located a 353 East Main Street, Bridgeport. The phone number to place an order, an all orders are takeout, is 304-933-3277. To visit their Facebook page and see a menu, click HERE.

 

Editor's Note: Several of Authentically Mia's food dishes are shown, along with owner Ricky Henderson and staff member Andie McCall above. Bottom photo is of the new Main Street sign.