Sponsored by Bonchon
Consumers across the globe are becoming increasingly drawn to Korean restaurant concepts, and trends around Korean flavors are expanding rapidly. The popularity of Korean food has grown progressively in many parts of the world, including a growing presence in the U.S. This can be attributed to a number of factors, including bold flavors, unique ingredients and cooking techniques that inspire many Korean cuisines and dishes.
Korean fried chicken, for example, is renowned for being crispy and flavorful. The widespread popularity of Korean fried chicken has led to the creation of many Korean-style quick service-food chains, with Bonchon being a fan-favorite. The Korean fried chicken brand is responding to consumer needs with a craveable crunch and signature sauces on their fried chicken.
Another factor that has sparked interest of Korean food can be credited to the wide variety of menu options, as Korean cuisine is known for its emphasis on utilizing a number of ingredients that offer a wide selection of flavors to choose from. Some restaurant brands offer meat alternatives like tofu and as well as a range of products from hearty stews to light vegetable side dishes or rice bowls, there is something for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions. Restaurant concepts like Bonchon are appealing to Americans across varied demographics who now account for more than half of the customers in Korean restaurants.
Bonchon, the 120-plus domestic unit Korean fried chicken concept, set out on a mission to ‘spread the joy of Korean comfort food around the world.’ This mission is backed by the brand’s well known menu items including Bibimbap, Japchae and most famously, their wildly crunchy Korean fried chicken. The brand maintains its focus on bringing Korean cuisine to new markets and introducing communities to the culinary experience of Korean food.
According to data from The Food Institute, interest in Korean cuisine spiked nearly 90% in the 12 months leading up to January 2022 and the upward trajectory of Korean restaurant concepts is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Given the data, restaurants are taking note of the widespread popularity among consumers and integrating Korean-inspired items to its menus.
There has also been a growing interest in Korean street food, which has led many food trucks and chain restaurants to specialize in Korean street food, offering the unique and flavorful options customers crave.
Korean cuisine is spreading its influence to the western world through the wide variety of spice levels offered. Spicy recipes and sauces are driving attraction across social media platforms and westerners are taking notice of Korean food products as a result of the spice elements incorporated in many of the traditional dishes.
Bonchon, for example, takes this into account through its signature Spicy sauce, while still offering a Soy Garlic signature sauce for customers who prefer less spice. Additionally, Bonchon incorporates both spicy and non-spicy fried chicken options to satisfy a diverse customer base. Adjusting menu options is a key aspect when it comes to satisfying customers, which is why restaurant concepts are creating innovative menu items to stay up-to-date with consumer trends and tailor menu items accordingly depending on what its most frequent customers are asking for, as well as what the trends indicate.
As Korean restaurant concepts continue to implement new strategies to attract consumers and respond to customer needs and relevant trends, Korean cuisine is set to drive continued popularity across the U.S. and on a global scale in the coming years.
Sponsored by Bonchon, visit franchising.bonchon.com to learn more.
