Bonchon U.S. has named Suzi Tsai, chief growth officer, as CEO to succeed Bryan Shin, who will focus on international development, the company said Tuesday.
The Dallas-based company, known for its double-fried chicken, said Tsai joined the company in 2023. Shin, who was named CEO in May 2023, will focus on global expansion as international CEO and group chief financial officer.
“It is an honor for me to lead Bonchon,” said Tsai in a statement. She has worked in marketing and branding with such brands as On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina, Chili's Grill & Bar, KidZania, and Verizon.
“Bonchon continues to evolve and strengthen critical elements in our offerings, from menu and technology, to store formats that reach our customers when and where they get that one-of-a-kind Bonchon craving,” she said. “We look forward to breaking into new territories and exploring possibilities in the years to come.”
The company said among new areas for the brand in 2024 are: Southern Florida; Little Rock, Ark.; Tucson, Ariz.; and Ann Arbor, Mich.
Founded in Busan, South Korea, in 2002, Bonchon first opened in the U.S. in New York City in 2006. It has about 130 locations in the United States.
On the global front, Bonchon debuted its first restaurant in France in 2023, with Spain and Taiwan recently signing on for future openings.
In addition to traditional full-service dining and fast casual options as well as recent openings in malls and food courts, Bonchon launched its first two ghost kitchens and first hotel location in 2023, with its airport debut slated for 2025.
Bonchon has more than 430 restaurants across nine countries, including Cambodia, France, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam.
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