Bonchon, the U.S.-based, Korean-style fried chicken brand has celebrated a strong 2021 filled with new unit openings, new markets, positive sales figures and a national taste for Korean fried chicken.
The brand is going in 2022 with the intention of heading into many new markets with the help of multi-unit operators in selected markets. The brand has confirmed new development agreements covering Illinois, Colorado, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, New York, Minnesota, Tennessee and Texas – with Tennessee being a first-time market.
“Bonchon has achieved another year of high growth, record sales and we’ve been honored with several industry accolades,” said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Bonchon.
“Our brand would not be where it is today without the hard work and perseverance of our team and franchise partners. As we move ahead and look at the next five years, we’re making ongoing strategic shifts in operations, the supply chain and technological innovation in order to remain on the current growth trajectory. 2022 is going to be an exciting year for Bonchon for many reasons, but especially because we’ll also be celebrating our 20th anniversary.”
Despite the pandemic, Bonchon registered a 15 per cent same stores sales increase compared to 2020. The brand managed to open 11 units in 2021 with another 30 planned for 2022. The brand has over 385 units to its name worldwide, with locations established in Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, Australia and Vietnam.
Tech has played its role in Bochon’s success, with a new standardized POS system as well a partnership with DoorDash – digital orders accounted for almost half of sales in 2021 compared to 11.7 per cent in 2020.
“Our brand has rapidly evolved since arriving in the U.S. in 2006 and the dedication we have to upholding our unique cooking style has helped us become one of the fastest-growing brands in the space,” said Dekker.
“We want to keep building on our momentum with partners who want to grow and reach new highs alongside us.”
