Major Fried Chicken Chain From Korea To Open Its First Stores In South Africa.
A major fried chicken brand from South Korea has just signed a deal to open its first restaurants in South Africa.
The Korean company has caught onto South Africans’ deep love for fried chicken. Image: bbqglobal
South Africans love their fried chicken – and now one of Korea’s biggest chicken franchises is bringing its famous crispy recipe to Mzansi.
Genesis BBQ, a global restaurant and takeout brand with thousands of outlets worldwide, has announced plans to open its first stores in South Africa, marking the company’s entry into both the local and African markets.
The Korean chain (branded bb.q CHICKEN) signed a master franchise agreement with Good Tree South Africa, a local distributor of Korean food products, to roll out its restaurants in the country.
The deal was officially signed in Seoul on 5 November, attended by Genesis BBQ Chairman Yoon Hong-geun and Good Tree South Africa CEO Lee Dong-il.
Where can you find Genesis BBQ fried chicken?
The company’s initial plans are to open quick service restaurant (QSR)-type stores in major cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, with more cities to follow as the brand expands across the continent.
“South Africa is our strategic cornerstone for expanding into the African market and promoting K-food globally,” said Yoon.
“We will make efforts to expand the culture of Korean food centered on ‘K-chicken’ throughout Africa, with differentiated menus tailored to local culture.”
Half & Half: Genesis BBQ’s golden fried chicken served with ‘K-chicken’: Image: bbqglobal
How much chicken do South Africans eat?
Describing South Africa as a key growth market, Genesis BBQ cited figures from the South African Poultry Association.
South Africans consume an average of 36 kilograms of chicken per person each year – more than double the global average of 14.6 kilograms (and surpassing even Korea’s average of 16.2 kilograms per person annually).
The country’s population of over 63 million and young median age of 28 also makes it ideal for restaurant growth.
Over 3000 stores worldwide
Founded in 1995, Genesis BBQ has grown into one of Korea’s largest fried chicken brands, known for its signature soy-garlic and spicy fried chicken.
It currently operates over 2 400 restaurants in South Korea and about 700 more in 57 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
With the brand’s arrival, South African food lovers can soon expect a taste of Korea’s famous “K-chicken” trend.