Papa John's Korea enters K-chicken fray with Mama Chicken

American pizza chain Papa John's Korean subsidiary launched its own chicken brand, Mama Chicken, opening the first store in Mapo District, western Seoul.

Staff show Mama Chicken's new chicken menu at its flagship store in Yonggang-dong, Mapo District, western Seoul. [PAPA JOHN'S KOREA]

American pizza chain Papa John's Korean subsidiary launched its own chicken brand, Mama Chicken, opening the first store in Mapo District, western Seoul.

The brand seeks to distinguish itself in Korea's crowded chicken market by offering "American-style chicken" — including Cajun fried chicken and chicken wings — departing from the Korean fried chicken options dominant in the domestic market, it announced Monday.

The Cajun chicken choices, either mild or spicy, come with a selection of 13 sauces.

The first Mama Chicken store opened its doors in Yonggang-dong in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Friday. Papa John's Korea plans to open a second store by year-end and open over 1,000 Mama Chicken stores nationwide by 2035. The flagship store adopts a casual pub restaurant concept for both dine-in and takeout services, while the second store will offer delivery and takeout services.

"Amid the dominance of the so-called K-chicken in the market, Mama Chicken is committed to delivering American-style original taste, considered to be the essence of chicken," Chun Jung-koo, CEO of Papa John's Korea, said. "Drawing inspiration from the success of Papa John's pizza with its exceptional quality standards, Mama Chicken will maintain the same DNA, aiming to foster a loyal customer base."

As part of the brand's launch, Mama Chicken is offering a promotional event. It is providing discounts on all chicken wing menu items, including a variety of sauces. Additionally, customers can choose a complimentary side menu selection — cheese balls, potato chips, or Cajun French fries — with orders of one whole Cajun fried chicken or a set of 20 chicken wing sticks.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]