Established
1991
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$750,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$1,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Kyochon is one of the world’s most recognized names in Korean fried chicken, known for its crisp-fried craftsmanship, signature soy-garlic glaze, and unwavering commitment to quality. As global demand for Asian cuisine continues to soar across the United States, Kyochon stands out as a premium, experience-driven brand with a loyal following and a menu that consistently outperforms traditional chicken competitors. For more than three decades, the brand has built its reputation around freshly made, hand-prepared chicken and flavors rooted in Korean culinary tradition. For U.S. entrepreneurs looking to invest in a proven, culturally rich, and fast-growing food concept, Kyochon offers a highly compelling path into the booming premium chicken category.
Backed by international brand strength, meticulous operating standards, and passionate customer loyalty, Kyochon has become a destination rather than a quick meal. Every location operates with the same attention to detail, producing food that feels artisanal yet scalable—an ideal combination for the American fast-casual market. With the rise of Korean culture, K-food, and differentiated dining experiences, Kyochon continues to carve out a distinct and profitable niche.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Kyochon blends global brand power with local-store profitability. Its menu is compact, efficient, and engineered around high-demand signature items that consistently drive repeat customers. In the U.S., Korean fried chicken has become one of the fastest-growing food trends, offering strong margins and broad appeal across demographics.
Investors benefit from a franchise model optimized over decades—operational simplicity, highly standardized recipes, strong supply-chain partnerships, and a premium brand story that elevates pricing power. Kyochon’s focus on quality over volume creates an experience customers are willing to travel for, producing stronger unit economics and predictable long-term growth.
Background
- Established Year: 1991
- Founders: Kyochon was founded by Kwon Won-Kang in South Korea.
- Franchise Active Units: The brand operates more than 1,000 locations globally, with a rapidly expanding presence across key U.S. markets.
- Brand Journey: Starting as a small local eatery in Gumi, South Korea, Kyochon rapidly grew through its commitment to “The Kyochon Way”—a strict philosophy centered on craftsmanship, natural ingredients, and made-to-order freshness. By the 2000s, the brand cemented itself as Korea’s most beloved fried chicken chain, eventually expanding across Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
- Company History & Ownership: Kyochon F&B Co., Ltd. oversees the franchise globally, ensuring operational consistency and protecting the brand’s premium identity. Its U.S. entry brought a wave of excitement among consumers seeking authentic Korean flavors, helping it secure strong positions in California, New York, Texas, and other high-density markets.
- Market Presence in the USA: Kyochon is positioned within the premium fast-casual chicken and Asian specialty cuisine categories. Its reputation, menu quality, and global visibility give every franchisee a competitive edge in markets where customers actively seek high-quality alternatives to traditional fried chicken.
Support Training
Kyochon delivers a detailed, hands-on support system to ensure new franchise owners launch successfully and maintain consistent food quality across all locations.
Pre-Launch Support
• Site selection guidance with demographic and market analysis
• Assistance with lease review, layout approvals, and restaurant design
• Vendor setup, procurement support, and equipment guidance
• Detailed project management from build-out to pre-opening operations
Operational Training
• Multi-week training covering kitchen procedures, product preparation, quality control, inventory management, and service standards
• Onsite training at an existing Kyochon location
• Full opening-week support with corporate trainers on-site
Marketing Support
• Grand opening marketing strategy
• Digital and social media guidelines to build local awareness
• Seasonal campaigns, menu promotions, and brand assets
• Access to Kyochon’s international marketing programs
Ongoing Support
• Continuous operational audits and coaching
• Updated training modules for staff
• New product launches and innovation support
• Technology systems for POS, reporting, and inventory
Kyochon's support system is built to keep franchisees confident, consistent, and competitive in every market.
Ideal Candidate
Kyochon is best suited for entrepreneurs who value quality, culture, and an elevated customer experience. Ideal franchise partners include:
• Individuals with restaurant or retail management experience
• Investors passionate about the fast-casual and specialty food industry
• Owners who appreciate structured systems and brand consistency
• Operators seeking a scalable multi-unit opportunity
• Entrepreneurs capable of managing staff, delivering quality control, and maintaining premium service standards
• Candidates with strong financial capabilities and a commitment to meeting Kyochon’s operational standards
Kyochon thrives in high-traffic retail corridors, lifestyle centers, food districts, and communities with diverse and trend-driven customer bases.
Financial Detail
| Category | Amount/Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment | $750,000 – $1,500,000+ |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | ~$500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Build-Out Costs | $450,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Initial Marketing | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $120,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 4% – 6% |
| Marketing Fund | 1% – 2% |
| Expected ROI | 24–36 Months |
| Break-Even | 12–24 Months |