Franchising

Dae Gee Korean BBQ signs 1st Indiana franchise

Provided

November 8, 2022

Dae Gee Korean BBQ, a hybrid fast casual and full-service Korean barbeque concept blending Korean food with American culture, has signed its first franchise agreement for Indiana in Fort Wayne.

Rick Evans, owner of Evans Toyota, and Sam Choe, the dealership's general manager, are behind the deal, and the restaurant will open in a space formerly occupied by The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market at 4910 N. Clinton St. Construction is set to begin near the end of November with a projected opening in early 2023.

"When looking for a franchise brand to bring to Fort Wayne, Dae Gee was the only concept that really stood out to us," Choe said in a company press release. "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. We're excited to bring Dae Gee's great food, outstanding service, and exceptional dining experience to the people of Fort Wayne."

Founded in 2012, Dae Gee's rise in popularity began in 2015, when the chain was featured on restaurateur Guy Fieri's long-running food reality television series, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Fieri said of Dae Gee, "This isn't just any Korean restaurant. This one's off the hook!"

"Since we began franchising last year, Dae Gee has made great strides in expanding to new markets across the country and this is another incredible milestone for the brand," Dae Gee Founder Joseph Kim said in the release. "We're thrilled to welcome Rick and Sam to the Dae Gee family and look forward to opening our first Indiana restaurant."

"Dae Gee, meaning "pig" in Korean, allows diner to cook their own meat on grill tops at their tables, according to the release. Customers have the option to choose from a variety of traditional Korean meats like Galbee (Beef Shot Ribs), Sam Gyeob Sal (Sliced Pork Belly) and Dak Bulgogi (Chicken), which are marinated in Dae Gee's secret marinade. The means may be ordered in a bowl, hot stone pot or tucked inside lettuce and eaten as a wrap. Entrees come with choice of mixings, including rice, fresh slaw, spicy sauce and a variety of nine side dishes, such as kimchee, broccoli, radish and fish cakes.

With five corporate-owned restaurants throughout Colorado's Front Range, Dae Gee plans to open as many five to 10 restaurants nationwide over the next 12 months and at least that many each year thereafter.

Development agreements have been signed in South Dakota and Texas.