Most Kyochon Chicken stores in Seoul have raised menu prices on delivery apps.
According to the industry on the 29th, starting 19th, Kyochon Chicken franchises in Seoul have been selling major items such as Honey Combo, Red Combo, Soy Sauce Combo, and Half-and-Half Combo on delivery apps Baemin and Coupang Eats at prices raised by 2,000 won each. The flagship Honey Combo rose from 23,000 won to 25,000 won.
Prices for menus sold at stores or on Kyochon Chicken's own app did not go up. More than 90% of Kyochon Chicken franchises in Seoul are said to have joined the delivery app menu price increase.
This move by franchise owners appears to be largely driven by the burden of delivery app commissions. Some franchise owners are said to have inevitably adjusted delivery app–only prices because excessive commission expense made normal operations difficult.
KYOCHON F&B, the headquarters operating Kyochon Chicken, says the latest delivery app price hike was an unavoidable decision. Because the Fair Trade Commission franchise business law prevents headquarters from directly forcing franchise prices, the company explained that this decision reflects the operational difficulties franchise owners face.
KYOCHON F&B is currently focusing on persuasion and guidance to minimize customer complaints and confusion. A KYOCHON F&B official said, "We will work through consultations to minimize potential customer complaints and confusion that could arise from introducing delivery-only pricing, while listening to franchise owners' requests."
Earlier, on 11th, Kyochon Chicken effectively raised prices by adjusting the ingredients and weight of its boneless chicken menu. It mixed chicken breast into products that had used only thigh meat and cut the weight from 700g to 500g.