bb.q, Best of the Best Quality Chicken, a multi-brand, global fast-casual fried and grilled chicken franchise concept with more than 3,800 locations worldwide, is now setting its sights on the United States, launching a bold franchise expansion initiative.
Started in South Korea, bb.q is announcing the official launch of its American franchise program at the 2015 annual International Franchise Association (IFA) convention. bb.q is an IFA General Session sponsor at the convention, which will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, February 15 – 18. Company executives, including Chairman Hong-Geun Yoon, will be on-site to outline the global restaurant’s aggressive franchise growth strategy.
bb.q’s program initiates with expansion efforts in larger metropolitan markets with hundreds of franchised units planned for the coming years.
“We are extremely excited about our U.S. expansion and know that the time is right,” says bb.q USA President Tae Chun Kim. “We see endless opportunity for our Best of the Best Quality Chicken to make a tremendous and lasting impact on consumers. After the brand’s success abroad, the United States is the next logical move, and with the right franchise operators by our side, we feel optimistic about our plans.”
The franchise system will initially develop its popular Chicken Bistro concept, a quick-serve restaurant, and then implement its two other concepts — bb.q Premium Chicken, a self-service dining option and bb.q Chicken & Beer, a full-service restaurant.
The global chicken brand delivers an appealing menu specializing in internationally inspired, 100 percent olive oil fried and grilled chicken made with the finest ingredients.
Studies have shown olive oil may provide tremendous health benefits including a positive effect in lowering cholesterol, helping reduce heart disease risk and helping prevent cancer. Along with its health benefits, olive oil as an alternate choice for cooking has great appeal for discerning consumers looking to satisfy their taste buds.
Founded in 1995, bb.q currently has locations in 57 countries worldwide. Given its rapid growth and popularity, bb.q has received an increasing amount of international exposure.
The franchise program was developed with the help of Chicago-based iFranchise Group and Harold L. Kestenbaum, P.C., and will be rolled out across the East Coast and in larger markets nationwide, including the opening of corporate-owned restaurants across the Northeast, Southeast, Great Lakes, and West Coast. Eventual target markets will include the New York metropolitan area, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, and California.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the right franchise investors who are looking to make a splash with an internationally established brand,” Kim says. “We know we have what it takes to open restaurants and appeal to a large consumer base — and we’re ready to work closely with franchisees to help build our brand and move this exciting vision forward.”
Kim and his team are confident about the U.S. franchise and brand launch based on the expanding marketplace and the company’s incredible history. “Our franchise program is going to let us showcase our best of the best fried and grilled chicken,” Kim says. “We are putting all our efforts into making our U.S. franchise development the highlight of who we are. We can’t wait for our future franchise investors and consumers alike to taste what makes us the very best.”