Franchising

Dae Gee Korean BBQ looks to expand in Texas

Provided

May 12, 2022

Dae Gee Korean BBQ, a hybrid fast casual and full-service Korean barbeque concept, is looking to expand its presence in Texas with 15 units, according to a company press release.

Having recently signed an agreement for the development of two restaurants in Amarillo, the Denver-based franchise has set its sights on Austin, Houston and San Antonio for its next wave of Texas expansion. The company plans to open five restaurants across each of the metro areas over the next three years.

"With a complexity of different flavors and cuisine largely comprised of proteins, vegetables, grains and assorted spices, Korean food is a great choice for the health-conscious and clean-eating consumer. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon," Dae Gee founder Joseph Kim said in the release. "We're eager to bring a different flavor, variety and overall dining experience to Texas."

Founded in 2012, Dae Gee's rise in popularity began in 2015, when the chain was featured on celebrity restaurateur Guy Fieri's food reality television series "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Today, Dae Gee, meaning "pig" in Korean, has five corporate-owned restaurants operating across Colorado's Front Range.

The chain is much like traditional Korean BBQ, which exposes customers to an interactive, all-you-can-eat experience, allowing them to cook their own meat on grill tops at their tables as they dine.

Customers have the option to choose from a variety of traditional Korean meats like Galbee (beef short ribs), Sam Gyeob Sal (sliced pork belly) and Dak Bulgogi (chicken), which are marinated in Dae Gee's secret marinade. Each choice of meat, as well as fish and vegetarian options, can be served in a bowl, hot stone pot, or tucked inside lettuce and eaten as a wrap.

"Dae Gee lights up your senses and enriches the full human experience," Kim said in the release. "From generations of recipes passed down, we leave our customers well fed with culture, humor, and top quality home recipe style Korean food."

Kim expects about five to 10 Dae Gee restaurants to open over the next 12 months and at least that many each year thereafter.

Including a franchise fee of $45,000, the total investment to open a location ranges from $679,375 to $954,125. Each restaurant typically occupies 1,500-2,000 square feet and employs as many as 10 people.