BBQ expands presence into 28th U.S. state

[Photo provided by Genesis BBQ]

South Korean fried chicken franchise Genesis BBQ announced the opening of “BBQ Omaha,” in Omaha, Nebraska, in the eastern United States on Thursday. With this opening, BBQ has expanded its presence to 28 U.S. states.

Omaha, where the new store is situated, is the largest city in Nebraska by population. It is known for hosting the annual shareholder meetings of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway that attracts over 40,000 visitors each year. BBQ Omaha is strategically located just a 10-minute drive from Berkshire Hathaway’s headquarters and is expected to introduce K-food to global economic figures when they visit the company.

Omaha is also popular among residents and tourists due to its lakes and rivers, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s ideal destination. Situated near the Missouri River, the location boasts museums, art galleries, and theaters that attract a significant floating population.

BBQ Omaha will offer fried chicken and beer in an area covering about 260 square meters with a total seating capacity of 62. Its menu includes Golden Olive Chicken, Seasoned Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken, as well as Rosé Tteokbokki. The most popular items among the locals are the “half and half” chicken combo featuring Golden Olive Chicken and Seasoned Chicken.

BBQ operates over 700 stores in 57 countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Panama, Costa Rica, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It has expanded primarily in major regions such as New York, New Jersey, Texas, California, and Hawaii in the United States, operating stores in a total of 28 states including the latest one in Nebraska. While actively pursuing overseas expansion, BBQ also invites foreign students to Korea to promote the Korean chicken franchise industry. A total of 16 students and professors from the Culinary Arts Department of Indonesia’s Universitas Ciputra visited BBQ Chicken University in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province earlier in May 2024, as part of their global business exploration. BBQ also held a corporate briefing session for over 20 senior management officials from Singaporean dining companies in April 2024.

BBQ introduced its unique specialized training system and franchisee support policies to provide the same quality and service both within Korea and overseas.