Franchising

Bonchon bringing Korean flavor to Ohio, Michigan

August 26, 2021

Bonchon, which serves Korean fried chicken, has signed multi-location deals in Ohio and Michigan.

"Bonchon has put an aggressive growth plan in place these past few years which includes our new fast casual model," Greg Buchanan, SVP of Development, said in a company press release. "Franchise partners see the efficiency and profitability in this concept, and we are experiencing growing popularity in the model as 72% of the restaurants opening this year will be fast casual."

Michigan, a new market debut for Bonchon, will have five locations, while Ohio will see three units in Kenwood and Cincinnati. Commitments this year also include opening stores in Queens, New York, Fort Worth, Texas, and Wilmington, Delaware.

"I was introduced to Bonchon when visiting family in New Jersey and was immediately interested. Bonchon's corporate team has a proven track record with in-depth training programs and support systems in addition to marketing and advertising programs, but ultimately It was the food. It's just so delicious," Max Liu, Oho franchisee, said in the release. "We know Cincinnati will love it."

According to Blackbox Enterprises, Bonchon's two-year sales growth of +18.3% was higher than all restaurant segments and cuisines.

The chain has implemented operational measures to support the 23 openings this year with the debut of the fast casual restaurant model, a standardized POS system, launch of online ordering and delivery integration through their proprietary online ordering channels in partnership with DoorDash Drive.

Founded in South Korea in 2002 and established in the U.S. in 2006, Bonchon has more than 110 U.S. locations.