International Korean restaurant brand Bonchon looking to crunch its way into the UK market

Following the successful launch of a second site in Paris, where a third is already in the pipeline, Bonchon is seeking experienced hospitality entrepreneurs to become master franchisees in the UK and roll out the brand nationally.

Founded in 2002 by Jinduk Seo in Busan, South Korea, and established in New York City in 2006, Bonchon, which translates to ‘my hometown’ in Korean, has become a household name. The brand’s mission is to share the joy of Korean comfort food around the world.

Bonchon currently has more than 455 stores in operation worldwide, with more than 140 in the USA and international sites located across the Philippines, Thailand, France, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam.

The brand’s rapid expansion is based on solid credentials, with Bonchon achieving several accolades in the USA including recognition by Snacking Magazine as ‘the temple of Koren fried chicken’ as well as featuring on Fast Casual Magazine’s ‘Top 100 Movers & Shakers’ in 2022, and Entrepreneur’s ‘Top 10 Hot Franchise Trends’ and ‘Top 12 Chicken Franchises to Buy’ lists in 2023.

Bonchon prides itself on serving chicken handmade-to-order and finished with signature sauces made in South Korea. Each handcrafted piece of Bonchon chicken is hand-brushed and double-fried, ensuring their product is the most delicious ‘crunch out loud’ fried chicken in the industry.

In addition to chicken wings, drumsticks, and boneless wings, Bonchon also offers a delicious selection of Asian fusion cuisine. Their traditional sit-down restaurant sites provide a familiar casual dining experience, and most restaurants also offer take-out and delivery services which now account for 49% of sales.

Bonchon is offering its future UK franchisee partner the opportunity to become the master franchisee for the UK or suitable regions, with an option to sub-franchise after 2 years of operations. Growth will be supported by the Korea-based team with design, specification, marketing, branding, training, menu research and development, and operations. To support their desire to enter the UK market Bonchon will be exibiting at the next International Franchise Show at the ExCel in April.

Simon Chaplin, Senior Director – Pubs, Restaurants & Franchise at Christie & Co comments, “We started working with Bonchon last year to bring their distinctive 'crunch’ to the UK. Having visited both sites in Paris, it is clear that Bonchon is a welcome addition to the landscape. There is no doubt that chicken-led QSR brands are performing well throughout the UK, and the power of an international partner with over 455 stores and the support of dedicated experts will help the franchisee develop a valuable business over the coming years.”

For more information about the opportunity, visit: https://www.christie.com/sectors/restaurants/franchise-opportunity-bonchon/

For further information on this press release, contact:
Jasmine Davis, Corporate Communications Manager
P: 07561 115179
E: jasmine.davis@christie.com

Visit our Business Search page to find out more about our current listings.