BBQ is accelerating its push into overseas markets by opening its first store in South America.
On the 25th, BBQ said it recently opened South America's first location, "BBQ Provenza," in Medellín, Colombia. With this move, BBQ has expanded its reach across the Americas, entering South America following North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The BBQ Provenza store was created as a two-story location of about 300㎡ with 133 seats in the Provenza area of El Poblado. Provenza, a leading dining and tourism hub in Medellín packed with upscale restaurants, cafes, and rooftop bars, has heavy foot traffic of local people in their 20s to 40s and tourists.
BBQ has introduced the CDR (Casual Dining Restaurant) model, a premium café-style format, and is targeting South American consumers with a lineup that includes golden fried chicken, platter items, and locally tailored menu options.
In the United States, BBQ operates stores in more than 30 states, including California, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia. It recently entered South Carolina, expanding its influence in the North American market. It has also advanced into Central America and the Caribbean, including Panama, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas, broadening its base in the Americas.
Last year, it signed master franchise (MF) agreements with key regions including Beijing, Qingdao, Jinan, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Wuhan, Xi'an, and Chengdu in China. It opened stores in major mixed-use commercial districts such as Chengdu Dongjiaoji Yi, Shenzhen Wanxianghui, and Changsha Wanxiangcheng.
Its entry into the European market is also gaining momentum. BBQ has established a European headquarters and is working to build an integrated system covering production, logistics, and store operations. It is also pursuing entry into major countries including Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Poland, and the Netherlands.
Chairman Yoon Hong-geun said, "BBQ continues to grow in the global market with a focus on China and the United States, and is expanding across the entire American continent through its entry into South America," adding, "Through 'K' chicken, we will lead the globalization of K-food and continue expanding in the global market."