BBQ to Showcase 'K-Chicken' in Hawaii

Customers are waiting to order BBQ chicken at the BBQ Hawaii Kuonomol branch.

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon]Genesis BBQ announced on the 16th that it opened a 34-pyeong (approximately 112.4 square meters) BBQ Kuono Marketplace store in the Kahala area of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, on the 15th (local time, the 14th).

According to statistics from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaii is known as the largest resort attracting more than 10 million tourists worldwide annually (based on 2019). The Kahala area, where the store is located, is known as the "Beverly Hills of Hawaii" because it is home to villas of global billionaires and the luxury Kahala Hotel resort.

The store began trial operations from the 28th of last month to promote itself to local residents before the grand opening. According to BBQ, local residents who visited the store favored BBQ's signature menu, the "Golden Olive Chicken," and other menus such as "Original Seasoned Chicken" and "Honey Garlic" also captivated their taste buds. During this period, the store recorded daily sales of about $5,000, and on the grand opening day, the 15th, it achieved a record high sales of $6,500, with increasing franchise inquiries from locals.

BBQ currently operates in 15 states across the U.S., including major regions such as New York, New Jersey, California, Texas, and Illinois. Including the 76 franchises currently in operation, about 150 stores are preparing to open, and in North America, including Canada, a total of about 250 stores are either operating or preparing to operate.

Yoon Young-il, president of BBQ Hawaii Kuono Marketplace, said, "Every time I went to Korea, I enjoyed BBQ chicken deliciously, and I was confident that if we maintain the taste and quality in Hawaii, we could succeed." He added, "Starting with BBQ Kuono Marketplace, we will quickly open additional stores such as the 2nd and 3rd branches in major commercial areas of Hawaii, doing our best to allow customers throughout Hawaii to comfortably and conveniently enjoy K-chicken nearby."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.