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Bonchon names Suzie Tsai as U.S. CEOBonchon names Suzie Tsai as U.S. CEO

South Korean fried chicken restaurant concept promotes chief growth officer to succeed Bryan Shin, who will focus on international development

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

January 16, 2024

2 Min Read
Bonchon us ceo suzie tsai unit
Bonchon U.S. promotes Suzie Tsai to succeed Bryan Shin as CEO.Bonchon U.S.

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.

Bonchon-ceo-suzie-tsai-headshot.jpg“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.

Related:Bonchon U.S. appoints new chief growth officer

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.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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