"Thank You, BBQ" Why the New York Police Department Personally Presented a Plaque of Appreciation

Special Discount Amid Police Overwork During COVID-19
"Appreciation Plaque for Contributions to Koreatown Public Safety Improvement and Development"

There is a restaurant that offers permanent discounts to police officers at all its stores in 26 states, including New York, New Jersey, and California. It is BBQ.

Yoon Hong-geun (68), chairman of the dining franchise group Genesis BBQ, received a plaque of appreciation from the New York Police Department (NYPD) in recognition of his contribution to the development of Koreatown and the improvement of public safety. It is rare for a Korean entrepreneur to receive a plaque of appreciation directly from a foreign police department.

Local police officers eating chicken at the Alabama Mobile branch of Nandal Moon that opened in the United States

The NYPD inscribed on the plaque that BBQ is recognized for its contribution to improving public safety and the development of the Korean community around 32nd Street in Manhattan, New York, where the BBQ store (K-Town branch) is located.

Chairman Yoon received the plaque from the NYPD dating back to the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak. At that time, the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. combined with an economic recession caused a rapid deterioration in street safety, leading to an increase in crimes targeting local stores.

In response, BBQ strengthened store security and introduced a special discount system for U.S. police officers at all BBQ stores in 26 states, as a way to appreciate the efforts of local police. For example, New York police officers receive a 15% discount on food prices when dining at BBQ.

Chairman Yoon also referred to Dunkin' Donuts, which operates 24-hour stores locally and achieved crime prevention effects through similar free or discounted programs for police. Starting with stores in New York State where BBQ operates directly, a permanent 5% discount system was implemented in the other 25 states as well.

As a result, visits by police officers to local stores increased, significantly reducing crimes against families and naturally decreasing the overall local crime rate. Positive effects also occurred, such as increased sales in surrounding Korean business districts.

Chairman Yoon Hong-geun (photo) and the plaque of appreciation presented to Chairman Yoon Hong-geun by the New York Police Department.
[Photo by BBQ]

BBQ later extended discount benefits to firefighters. Recently, it is also known to be considering offering discounts to other uniformed public officials such as military personnel.

Chairman Yoon Hong-geun said, “I am grateful to the New York police officers who have worked hard to ensure the safety of families and maintain public safety,” and added, “We will continue to do our best to help the community develop in various ways that satisfy everyone.”

Chairman Yoon is regarded as a 'salaryman legend.' He founded BBQ Chicken in 1995 while working as a sales manager at a food company, opened the 1,000th store within four years, and started overseas business (China) in 2003. He first entered the U.S. market in 2006 and currently operates 250 stores in 26 states.

Previously, BBQ expanded its stores from 32nd Street in Manhattan to major areas including New York, New Jersey, Texas, California, and Hawaii. Currently, including the recently opened stores in Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio, BBQ operates more than 250 stores across 26 states.

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