Yisoon and Tae Mo Kim bought an Italian restaurant in 1981 in the town of Brattleboro when the population was only 9,000. They began to add Korean dishes to the menu in an effort to bring their cultural heritage to the town. The menu was one of a kind, where someone could order a reuben sandwich with a side of kimchi or a bool go ki sub with a coffee frappe.

In 1985, they closed Anthony's and opened a larger establishment and named it Shin La after one of the three ancient Korean kingdoms. The two continued to expand and perfect the menu to the present day one that offers over 100 different dishes. Through their hard work and hospitality, their business has won numerous awards and continues to be a beacon of casual dining in the town of Brattleboro.