1993
100
$710,000
$100,000
$1,165,000
No
Bornga is a renowned Korean BBQ franchise that offers an authentic dining experience rooted in traditional Korean flavors. Founded by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won in 1993 in the vibrant Nonhyun-dong eatery alley of Gangnam, Seoul, Bornga has become synonymous with high-quality Korean cuisine. The brand's signature dish, Woo-samgyup, features thinly sliced beef brisket marinated in a special sauce, providing a unique twist to the classic bulgogi. This innovation has made Bornga a favorite among both locals and international patrons seeking genuine Korean flavors.
With a commitment to excellence and authenticity, Bornga has expanded its presence globally, including several locations in the United States. The franchise's focus on quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and exceptional customer service has positioned it as a leader in the Korean BBQ dining sector.
Investing in a Bornga franchise offers numerous advantages:
Established Brand: Benefit from the recognition and reputation of a globally recognized Korean BBQ brand.
Proven Business Model: Leverage a tested operational system that ensures consistency and quality across all locations.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing support in areas such as operations, marketing, and staff development.
High Demand for Korean Cuisine: Tap into the growing popularity of Korean food in the U.S., driven by cultural trends and culinary interest.
Exclusive Territory Rights: Potential for territorial exclusivity, allowing franchisees to dominate specific markets.
1. Established Year:
Bornga was founded in 1993 in Seoul, South Korea. It started as a small, authentic Korean BBQ eatery in the bustling Nonhyun-dong district of Gangnam, aiming to bring traditional Korean flavors to the modern dining scene.
2. Founder:
The franchise was created by Baek Jong-won, one of South Korea’s most celebrated chefs and restaurateurs. He is widely recognized for his culinary expertise and his ability to combine traditional Korean recipes with modern dining experiences. Baek Jong-won has also been involved in numerous media projects, further enhancing Bornga’s brand visibility.
3. Brand Journey & Company History:
1993–2000: Bornga focused on perfecting traditional Korean BBQ recipes and building a loyal customer base in Seoul. Its signature dish, Woo-samgyup (thinly sliced marinated beef brisket), became highly popular.
2000–2010: The brand expanded within South Korea, opening multiple outlets and establishing itself as a premium Korean BBQ experience.
2010–Present: Bornga began international expansion, opening franchise locations in countries like the USA, Australia, and Asia-Pacific markets. The franchise model was refined during this period to allow scalable growth while maintaining food quality and service standards.
4. Ownership:
Bornga is privately owned by Baek Jong-won and his company, THEBORN, which manages the brand’s operations, franchise support, and global expansion strategy.
5. Franchise Units:
Globally, Bornga operates over 100 units, including multiple locations in the USA.
In the USA, Bornga has established itself in major cities where there is growing demand for authentic Korean cuisine.
6. Market Presence in the USA:
Bornga targets urban areas with high foot traffic and a diverse customer base interested in Korean culture and cuisine. Its US locations focus on delivering authentic Korean BBQ experiences, using high-quality ingredients and signature recipes from the original South Korean menu.
7. Industry Category:
Bornga falls under the restaurant franchise sector, specifically within casual dining and Korean BBQ cuisine. Its unique positioning lies in offering authentic Korean flavors combined with a modern, comfortable dining environment.
8. Brand Reputation & Recognition:
Bornga is widely recognized as one of the leading Korean BBQ brands globally.
The association with Chef Baek Jong-won adds credibility and attracts customers familiar with his reputation.
It is known for high-quality ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and innovative menu items, which sets it apart from local competitors.
Bornga offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and restaurant design to align with brand standards.
Initial Training: In-depth training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, customer service, and staff management.
Operational Support: Ongoing guidance in areas such as inventory management, quality control, and staff training to maintain consistent service standards.
Marketing Assistance: Access to national and local marketing materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing support to drive customer engagement.
Quality Assurance: Regular audits and evaluations to ensure compliance with Bornga's high standards and continuous improvement.
Bornga seeks franchisees who are not only financially capable but also align with the brand’s vision, values, and operational standards. The ideal franchisee profile covers business background, personal traits, investment capability, and location considerations.
1. Business Acumen & Experience:
Prior Business Experience: Ideally, franchisees should have experience in restaurant management, hospitality, or retail operations. This helps in understanding daily operational requirements, staff management, and customer service.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: The franchisee should be motivated to grow the business and be comfortable making strategic decisions to optimize revenue and efficiency.
2. Passion for Korean Cuisine:
Bornga is a brand rooted in authentic Korean BBQ and culinary tradition, so franchisees should have a genuine interest in Korean cuisine and culture.
A strong personal passion ensures commitment to maintaining food quality, presentation, and service standards that the brand is known for.
3. Financial Capability:
Franchisees must have the capital to meet the total investment requirements, including franchise fees, restaurant setup, working capital, and operational costs.
The ability to sustain the business until break-even (typically 18–24 months) is essential.
4. Commitment to Quality & Brand Standards:
Bornga emphasizes high-quality ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and exceptional customer service.
The ideal franchisee must adhere strictly to operational manuals and brand guidelines to ensure consistency across locations.
5. Leadership & Team Management:
The franchisee should have strong leadership skills to recruit, train, and retain staff, ensuring efficient restaurant operations.
Ability to motivate employees to provide outstanding customer experiences is critical.
6. Community Engagement & Marketing:
Active participation in local marketing initiatives and community events is encouraged.
Franchisees who engage with the community build a loyal customer base and enhance brand visibility.
7. Location Preference:
Bornga prefers franchisees to operate in urban or suburban areas with high foot traffic, diverse demographics, and interest in international cuisine.
Ideal locations include city centers, shopping districts, or areas with established food culture where authentic Korean cuisine is in demand.
8. Personal Traits:
Resilient and adaptable: Able to handle the challenges of running a restaurant franchise.
Customer-focused: Committed to creating a memorable dining experience.
Growth-oriented: Interested in expanding to multiple units or locations in the future.
| Financial Component | Details / Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $710,000 – $1,165,000 (depending on location and size of restaurant) |
| Minimum Investment | $710,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% of monthly gross sales |
| Marketing / Advertising Fee | 1% of monthly gross sales |
| Franchise Units | Over 100 globally; multiple units in the USA |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Part of total investment; includes kitchen equipment, interior design, furniture, signage |
| Working Capital | Approximately $50,000 – $100,000 (for initial operations, staffing, inventory) |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typically achievable within 2–3 years |
| Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months (depends on market, location, and operational efficiency) |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in services, takeout, delivery, catering services |
| Ongoing Support / Training Cost | Included in franchise fee; covers pre-launch, operational, and marketing support |
