Operations

Bonchon ends 2021 on high note

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January 17, 2022

For Bonchon, a global restaurant concept known for Korean fried chicken, 2021 was a year filled with growth and positive sales figures.

"Bonchon has achieved another year of high growth, record sales and we've been honored with several industry accolades," CEO Flynn Dekker said in a company press release. "Our brand would not be where it is today without the hard work and perseverance of our team and franchise partners. As we move ahead and look at the next five years, we're making ongoing strategic shifts in operations, the supply chain and technological innovation in order to remain on the current growth trajectory. 2022 is going to be an exciting year for Bonchon for many reasons, but especially because we'll also be celebrating our 20th anniversary."

Despite industry challenges as a result of the pandemic, Bonchon remained an outlier with strong sales performance throughout 2021, registering a 15% same-store sales increase as compared to 2020. According to Black Box Intelligence data, the chain has outperformed all other segments and cuisines in its two year metrics (2021 vs. 2019) with positive 23% same-store sales as of Dec. 25, 2021. The empire of 115-plus units across the U.S. also opened 11 locations in 2021, with plans to open 30 in 2022. In total, Bonchon has 385-plus units worldwide including Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia and Vietnam.

New technologies and streamlined operations have contributed largely to the brand's performance. Upgrades include rolling out a standardized POS system, a partnership with DoorDash and online ordering. Digital orders accounted for nearly half of Bonchon's sales in 2021 as opposed to 11.7% prior to 2020.

"Our brand has rapidly evolved since arriving in the U.S. in 2006 and the dedication we have to upholding our unique cooking style has helped us become one of the fastest growing brands in the space," said Dekker. "We want to keep building on our momentum with partners who want to grow and reach new highs alongside us."

Born in Busan, South Korea in 2002, Bonchon's founder Jinduk Seo brought the concept to the U.S. in 2006.