Differentiation in sauce and seasoning attracts locals.
Local brands are jumping on the trend of K-chicken menus.
K-Chicken has captured the taste buds of Americans. Bonchon Chicken, BBQ, BHC, Pelicana, and Kyochon Chicken have been selected as America’s best Korean-style chicken brands. With the recent global Hallyu craze, the popularity of K-Food is on the rise, and particularly within the U.S., the number of people seeking K-Chicken is increasing. It is said that K-Chicken is firmly establishing the status of K-Food.
According to the American food-specialized magazine Eat This, Not That, on the 22nd, Bonchon Chicken took first place as America’s best Korean-style chicken brand. Bonchon Chicken was highly praised for its crispy fried coating and spices that suit the local palate. Founded in Busan in 2002, Bonchon Chicken opened its first store in the U.S. in 2006. It has entered 25 out of 50 U.S. states, with a total of 139 stores.
Genesis BBQ ranked second. BBQ received high praise for its differentiation from local brands by offering fried chicken and seasoned chicken in flavors like sweet and spicy soy and honey butter garlic. BBQ, which first entered the U.S. in 2007, has entered 27 states with the opening of a store in Tennessee this January. It currently operates 250 stores in the U.S.
BHC Chicken ranked fifth. Despite only operating one store since its first entry into the U.S. last year, BHC Chicken has made a strong presence. Its signature menus, such as Bburinkle, Macho King, and Gold King, have won over Korean expats and local American palates.
Pelicana Chicken came in seventh. Its seasoned chicken, in particular, is highly praised among locals. The media explained that the fantastic combination of fresh vegetables and red pepper paste allows one to enjoy Korea’s unique sweet and spicy taste. Pelicana Chicken first entered the U.S. in 2015 and currently operates 32 stores.
Kyochon Chicken was ranked ninth. Its unique savory flavors, such as Kyochon Original and Honey Combo, are popular. Kyochon Chicken entered the U.S. in 2007 and currently operates four stores.
An industry insider said, “The popularity of K-Food is explosive worldwide,” adding that “the Hallyu craze and localization strategies considering the taste of each country are captivating the world’s palate.”
Meanwhile, local franchise brands were included in this survey. They are selling similar menus following the Korean chicken trend. Wingstop and Left Wing Bar ranked third and fourth, entering the upper ranks. Following them were CM Chicken (6th), Shake Shack (8th), and The Cheesecake Factory (10th).
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