bb.q Chicken Accelerates Franchise Growth with Recent Expansion in U.S. and Central America, Riding the Wave of Korean Culture and Cuisine Popularity
December 15, 2023
The demand for Korean fried chicken and Korean culture is spreading across the United States, and bb.q Chicken, Korea’s Finest Fried Chicken™, is at the forefront of the movement. In recent years, Korean culture has seen an explosion in popularity among American audiences with Korean television, movies, K-pop music and, of course, K-food. With this cultural boom, the leading global Korean fried chicken franchise continues to expand its footprint across the U.S., with upcoming restaurant launches in five new states – Arkansas, Idaho, Nebraska, South Carolina and Utah, expanding the brand’s reach into 31 total U.S. states by the end of the first half of 2024.
Bb.q Chicken is also partnering with current franchisees to open more restaurant locations in existing U.S. markets, solidifying the brand’s presence in metro areas that include New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Orlando. Currently, 40% of U.S. franchisees own more than one bb.q Chicken location, showcasing immediate traction for the brand and operators in these areas. Bb.q recently launched a new franchise development plan aimed at attracting potential franchisees in states where they seek to broaden their presence.
Simultaneously, bb.q Chicken is making significant strides in Central America, where the demand for diverse culinary experiences is also on the rise. Earlier this year, the brand entered the Central American market with its first Panama and Costa Rica locations, with five additional Costa Rica locations already slated to open by the end of the year, 20 stores in Costa Rica planned to open by the end of next year to strengthen its position as a global leader in the fried chicken market. Plans for development in the Bahamas are also underway for 2024.
On Nov. 30, bb.q Chicken opened its eighth New York City location in Astoria, Queens, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to national expansion. The new location – strategically positioned in a neighborhood known to house many international cuisines – features a Chicken and Beer concept with a full bar as well as rapid takeout and delivery.
“At bb.q, we’re not just selling Korean fried chicken and K-Food; we’re offering a unique culinary experience that reflects the richness and vibrancy of Korean flavors you can’t get anywhere else,” said Genesis BBQ Group Chairman Yoon Hong-geun. “We strongly believe our success is attributed to our dedication to always provide our guests with an unparalleled dining experience. Our commitment to quality, authenticity and menu innovation have resonated in every market we’ve entered, and we expect to see this continue into 2024 and beyond.”
Bb.q, pronounced as bee-bee-que, stands for Best of the Best Quality, a principle upheld at every restaurant location across the world. Bb.q Chicken shares only the best flavors and uses the best ingredients for its signature item, Korean fried chicken, as well as other K-Food items, such as ddeok bokki and kimchi fried rice.
What sets bb.q apart as a premier Korean fried chicken restaurant is its dedication to quality and consistency. Using a unique frying method at a lower temperature results in a product that is lighter, crispier and more flavorful than traditional American fried chicken. The special touch comes from each team member individually coating and tossing signature sauces on every piece of chicken, ensuring a perfect amount of crispy texture and bold flavor in each bite.
bb.q Chicken’s authentic marinades arrive directly from South Korea and transport their customers’ taste buds back to Seoul with every bite. Top fan-favorite flavors across the U.S. include Golden Original, Secret Sauce and Honey Garlic. bb.q Chicken serves a wide variety of unique Korean flavors on wings, boneless bites and Korean Style whole chickens.
As bb.q Chicken continues its expansion in the U.S. and Central America, it invites prospective franchisees to join the journey and be part of a brand that not only delivers exceptional food, but also plays a role in propelling the Korean culture and cuisine movement. For more information on franchising opportunities or where to find your nearest location, please visit bbqchicken.com.
About bb.q Chicken
Established in 1995 as part of parent company Genesis BBQ, bb.q Chicken’s mission is to always provide the most delicious premium chicken in the world, based on the belief that food is the gateway to all culture. bb.q (pronounced bee-bee-que) stands for Best of the Best Quality and serves as a promise to always make Korea’s Finest Fried Chicken™ and other K-Food offerings at each location.
The brand was recently recognized by Restaurant Business Magazine as one of the fastest growing chains in the U.S.” Taste of Home Magazine also ranked bb.q as the Best Fast Food Fried Chicken ahead of Chick-Fil-A, Wingstop, KFC and Popeyes. For more information on locations and franchise opportunities, please visit bbqchicken.com.
