Franchising

Bonchon expanding in Alabama, Arizona

Provided by Bonchon.

September 15, 2023

Bonchon is adding five stores in Alabama and four in Arizona. Building on the momentum of 38 units signed to date this year, the brand is setting its sights on further expansion throughout Atlanta, Chicago and Minnesota. The Korea-based chain has maintained several consecutive years of sales growth with an AUV of $1.68 million across 124 locations in the U.S. and over 420 units globally, according to a press release.

The brand first caught the attention of Tucson franchisee Matt Quick while he flipped through a magazine on a flight and read Bonchon's wings were named the best in Dallas. Quick, then the owner of five locations of a major pizza franchise, had been on the hunt for a new concept and was inspired to embark on a "Korean fried chicken road trip," stopping first at the Bonchon in Tempe. He said he was amazed by how fresh, light and delicious the wings were. After checking out a competitor and visiting another Bonchon location in Las Vegas, he became "obsessed." Quick connected with Bonchon's franchise development and soon signed on to bring the brand's first location to Tucson, with construction underway.

"Bonchon to me presented an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand that has a solid foundation of 20 years in the business but with the feel of a concept on the brink of becoming something really big, and I also just loved the food," Quick said in the release. "From my initial contact with Bonchon, I have been very impressed by the management team, who truly listens, cares, and is willing to adapt to help me be successful. Bonchon exemplifies the ideal balance of authenticity and innovation."

Since signing on his first location, Quick has added three more Bonchon locations to cover the Tucson market. As a Tucson native, Quick is excited to bring Bonchon, which the name translates from Korean to English as "my hometown," to his hometown of Tucson, a community open to exploring a variety of cuisines.

While the Tucson market is sold out, growth opportunities are available in the Phoenix area.

"As our Bonchon fan base continues to grow in the United States, we are excited to be able to offer franchisees like Matt a unique business opportunity backed by strong sales performance and the support needed to drive success at every location," Bonchon CEO Bryan Shin said in the release. "The brand is truly at an inflection point and we're well positioned to achieve our goals of 500 locations in the U.S. and 500 internationally over the next five years."