2017
7
$150,000
Inquire
$492,000
No
Burning Rice is revolutionizing the fast-casual dining scene by introducing Korean BBQ in a modern, approachable format. Founded in 2017 in The Colony, Texas, the brand specializes in customizable Bibimbap bowls featuring slow-marinated proteins, fresh vegetables, and house-made sauces, all served sizzling hot for an unforgettable dining experience .
With a commitment to quality and flavor, Burning Rice has expanded its presence across Texas, offering a unique blend of traditional Korean flavors and contemporary dining convenience. The brand's focus on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a customizable menu appeals to a diverse customer base, positioning Burning Rice as a standout in the fast-casual restaurant industry.
Proven Concept: Established in 2017, Burning Rice has successfully introduced Korean BBQ to the fast-casual market, demonstrating strong consumer interest and brand growth.
High Revenue Potential: Franchise units have reported annual sales ranging from $624,743 to $1,260,158, indicating a robust business model with significant revenue potential .
Efficient Operations: The brand's streamlined operational processes and centralized kitchen model allow for consistent food quality and efficient service, reducing operational complexities for franchisees.
Strong Brand Identity: With a focus on fresh, healthy, and bold flavors, Burning Rice has cultivated a loyal customer base and a distinctive brand presence in the Texas market.
Established: 2017
Founders: Steve and Michelle Choi
Headquarters: The Colony, Texas
Franchise Units: 7 locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Korean BBQ / Bibimbap
Burning Rice was founded in 2017 by Steve and Michelle Choi with the vision of introducing Korean cuisine to a broader audience beyond traditional Koreatown settings. The duo sought to make Korean flavors more accessible and approachable to mainstream America, focusing on the beloved Korean dish, bibimbap—a mixed rice bowl topped with various proteins, vegetables, and sauces. Their mission was to offer bold Korean flavors in a fast-casual dining environment, ensuring quality and authenticity in every dish.
Starting with a single location in The Colony, Texas, Burning Rice quickly gained popularity for its unique concept and flavorful offerings. The brand expanded to multiple locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Frisco, Plano, and Lewisville. Each restaurant maintains a commitment to quality, serving slow-marinated proteins grilled fresh to order, accompanied by sautéed vegetables and house-made sauces. The focus on customization and fresh ingredients has resonated with a diverse customer base, contributing to the brand's success and growth.
Burning Rice emphasizes a modern and inviting atmosphere, combining traditional Korean culinary elements with contemporary dining experiences. The restaurants feature open kitchens where customers can witness the preparation of their meals, enhancing transparency and trust. The menu offers a variety of options, including signature bowls, hot stone bibimbap, and customizable combinations, catering to both meat lovers and vegetarians. The brand's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has fostered a loyal following and positive reviews from patrons.
Looking ahead, Burning Rice aims to continue its expansion within Texas, with plans to open additional locations in Houston and Austin. The brand is actively seeking qualified franchise partners to join its growth journey, offering a proven business model and comprehensive support to ensure the success of each franchise unit. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, Burning Rice is poised to become a leading name in the fast-casual Korean dining segment.
Burning Rice offers comprehensive support to its franchisees, ensuring they are equipped to succeed:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, and store design to ensure optimal location and layout.
Training: A robust 4-week training program covering operations, customer service, food preparation, and management practices.
Operational Support: Ongoing support in day-to-day operations, including inventory management, staffing, and quality control.
Marketing Support: Access to branded marketing materials, promotional strategies, and digital marketing tools to drive customer engagement and sales.
Centralized Kitchen: Utilization of a central kitchen for food preparation ensures consistency and efficiency across all locations.
The ideal franchisee for Burning Rice is someone who combines a passion for food, business acumen, and a drive to grow a fast-casual restaurant brand. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Genuine enthusiasm for Korean cuisine, especially bibimbap and Korean BBQ-style offerings.
Commitment to delivering high-quality, flavorful meals and an authentic dining experience to customers.
Interest in promoting healthy, fresh, and customizable fast-casual meals.
Prior experience in restaurant operations, food service, or retail management is highly desirable.
Strong understanding of day-to-day operational management, staffing, and customer service excellence.
Ability to oversee multiple aspects of a franchise, including inventory, scheduling, and quality control.
Must meet the minimum liquid asset requirement (≈ $150,000) to invest in a franchise.
Ability to handle total investment costs, infrastructure, marketing budget, and working capital (≈ $269,000 – $492,000).
Capacity to manage ongoing operational expenses and plan for long-term profitability.
Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and committed to growing a successful franchise business.
Comfortable making strategic decisions regarding marketing, promotions, and local store management.
Willingness to learn and implement best practices provided by the franchisor while bringing in personal creativity.
Dedication to upholding Burning Rice’s brand values and maintaining consistent quality and service standards.
Ability to engage with the local community, promote the brand, and build a loyal customer base.
Preference for high-traffic areas with diverse customer demographics.
Open to exploring urban and suburban markets where the brand can establish strong visibility.
Enthusiasm for expansion opportunities if multiple franchise units are desired in a region.
| Category | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $269,000 – $492,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $150,000 |
| Franchise Fee | inquire with franchisor |
| Royalty Fees | typically a percentage of gross sales (confirm with franchisor) |
| Marketing Fees | usually part of ongoing contribution to brand marketing |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included within total investment range (covers leasehold improvements, kitchen equipment, furniture, signage) |
| Working Capital | Included within total investment range (for initial operations, inventory, staffing) |
| Expected ROI | estimated 20–30% based on industry averages for fast-casual Korean BBQ |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 18–24 months depending on location and sales volume |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Merchandise (sauces, apparel) |
| Franchise Units Current Number | 7 locations (Dallas-Fort Worth area, TX) |
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