Bonchon, which serves Korean fried chicken from 400 units globally and 122 U.S. locations, has signed three agreements to open three stores each in Dallas/Fort-Worth and Georgia as well as six in New York. Five additional locations were recently secured in Arkansas — a new state for the brand — to bring the total number of location commitments to 19 so far in 2023.
The rising popularity of Korean and other Asian cuisines combined with the continued Hallyu, or Korean wave, is spreading the influence of Korean culture throughout the U.S. and has motivated entrepreneurs to bet on the brand, according to Bonchon CEO Bryan Shin.
“We are thrilled to see the influx of interest from entrepreneurs in owning a Bonchon location, which is not only a sound financial investment but a smart way to align with the growing cultural interests in Korean cuisine and lifestyle,” he said in a company press release. “We are confident that the franchisees will be met with great excitement as they open in these key markets. The Bonchon team is here to support them every step of the way with new menu items and the latest technology and operational innovations to keep their customers coming back for more.”
Founded in 2002, in Busan, South Korea, the brand entered the U.S. market in 2006.
