Robert Egan

Robert "Bobby" Egan is an American restaurateur and unofficial diplomat known for his unique role in facilitating communications between North Korea and the United States. His work as an interlocutor began in the 1990s while running his New Jersey barbecue restaurant, Cubby's, which became an unexpected meeting point for North Korean diplomats. Originally from Fairfield, New Jersey, Egan overcame early struggles with drug addiction and worked as a roofer before establishing Cubby's in Hackensack in 1982. The restaurant became successful locally and eventually served as the foundation for his unusual diplomatic career. His interactions with North Korean officials led to multiple diplomatic initiatives, including arranging meetings between North Korean representatives and U.S. officials. Egan documented these experiences in his memoir "Eating with the Enemy: How I Waged Peace with North Korea from My BBQ Shack in Hackensack," published in 2010. Beyond his diplomatic work, Egan became known for his vocal stance against local corruption, particularly involving the Hackensack police department. His activism led to a significant legal settlement and established him as a prominent figure in local politics and community affairs.

Readers find Egan's memoir "Eating with the Enemy" a candid look into unofficial diplomacy through an unlikely lens. Online reviews focus on his straightforward storytelling and unique perspective on North Korean relations. What readers liked: - Raw, personal narrative style - Behind-the-scenes details of diplomatic encounters - Blend of barbecue business and international relations - Honest portrayal of his past struggles - Local New Jersey color and characters What readers disliked: - Some found the writing unpolished - Questions about accuracy of certain claims - Narrative sometimes jumps between time periods - Too much focus on personal background vs. diplomatic content Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.1/5 (83 reviews) Goodreads: 3.7/5 (296 ratings) Reader quote: "Fascinating story of how a BBQ joint owner from New Jersey ended up as an unofficial conduit to North Korea. Not the most polished writing, but the unique perspective makes up for it." - Amazon reviewer

Eating with the Enemy: How I Waged Peace with North Korea from My BBQ Shack in Hackensack (2010) A memoir detailing Egan's experiences as a BBQ restaurant owner who became an unofficial intermediary between North Korea and the United States during the 1990s and 2000s.

Christopher Hill Former U.S. ambassador who led nuclear negotiations with North Korea and wrote about his diplomatic experiences in "Outpost." His first-hand account of dealing with North Korean officials provides similar insights into track-two diplomacy as Egan's work.

Bradley K. Martin Wrote comprehensive books about North Korea based on extensive reporting and personal visits to the country. His work "Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader" contains accounts of relationships between North Koreans and Americans that parallel Egan's experiences.

Kurt Campbell Foreign policy expert who chronicled his experiences in Asian diplomacy through his book "The Pivot." His accounts of unofficial diplomatic channels share common ground with Egan's approach to international relations.

Suki Kim Went undercover as a teacher in North Korea and wrote "Without You, There Is No Us" about her experiences. Her personal interactions with North Koreans offer perspectives that complement Egan's encounters with North Korean officials.

Mike Kim Former aid worker who wrote "Escaping North Korea" based on his experiences helping North Korean refugees. His work combines personal narrative with insights into North Korean society, similar to Egan's memoir style.