Established
1982
Franchise Units
30
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$350,000
Home Based
No
Description
Pelicana Chicken is one of the most recognized names in Korean fried chicken, celebrated globally for its signature double-fried chicken, bold sauces, and consistently crispy texture. With decades of heritage behind the brand, Pelicana has evolved from a beloved Korean comfort-food icon into an international restaurant concept that resonates strongly with today’s fast-casual and QSR consumers.
In the USA, Pelicana Chicken sits at the intersection of two powerful trends: the explosive popularity of Korean cuisine and the sustained demand for premium fried chicken. The brand appeals to a broad customer base—college students, young professionals, families, and late-night diners—thanks to its approachable pricing, crave-worthy menu, and modern casual dining format. Whether enjoyed as a dine-in meal, takeout, or delivery order, Pelicana Chicken offers strong repeat-visit potential and high brand recall.
For franchise investors, Pelicana Chicken represents an opportunity to partner with a globally proven brand that combines cultural authenticity with scalable systems. Its flexible store formats, strong delivery performance, and menu versatility make it well-suited for urban, suburban, and mixed-use locations across the United States.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Globally Established Brand – Pelicana is a pioneer of Korean fried chicken with decades of operational history and strong international recognition.
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High-Demand Product Category – Fried chicken remains one of the most profitable QSR categories in the U.S., with Korean flavors adding a premium differentiation.
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Distinctive Cooking Process – The brand’s double-frying technique delivers superior crispiness, setting it apart from traditional American fried chicken chains.
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Strong Delivery & Takeout Sales – Pelicana performs exceptionally well on third-party delivery platforms, increasing revenue beyond dine-in traffic.
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Flexible Restaurant Formats – Adaptable footprints ranging from compact urban locations to full dine-in restaurants.
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Repeat Customers & Add-On Sales – Combo meals, sauces, sides, and beverages drive higher average ticket sizes.
Background
Established Year: 1982
Country of Origin: South Korea
Founders: Founded by Korean culinary entrepreneurs with a vision to elevate fried chicken using proprietary techniques and sauces
Brand Journey & History:
Pelicana Chicken began as a single fried chicken restaurant in South Korea and quickly gained national popularity for its innovative frying method and flavor profiles. Over the years, the brand expanded aggressively across Asia and other global markets, becoming one of the most influential Korean chicken chains worldwide.
Ownership & Structure:
The brand operates through a master franchise and area development model internationally, with structured systems for training, quality control, and supply chain management.
Market Presence in the USA:
Pelicana Chicken has been expanding its U.S. footprint in key metropolitan markets with strong multicultural populations and high demand for international cuisine.
Industry Category:
Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual Dining / Specialty Fried Chicken
Franchise Active Units : Approximately 30+ operating locations across the United States.
Support Training
Pelicana Chicken offers a comprehensive franchise support system designed to guide owners from initial onboarding through long-term operations:
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and location feasibility analysis
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and equipment planning
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Vendor and supply chain onboarding
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Pre-opening marketing and launch strategy support
Training Programs
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Hands-on operational training covering food preparation, kitchen workflow, and quality standards
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Management training focused on staffing, scheduling, cost control, and customer service
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Brand standards education to ensure consistency across all locations
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Operations manuals and standardized procedures
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Ongoing field support and performance reviews
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Menu updates, new product rollouts, and seasonal promotions
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing guidance
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Digital marketing playbooks for local store promotions
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Support for delivery platforms, online ordering, and loyalty initiatives
Ideal Candidate
Pelicana Chicken is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors who:
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Have prior experience in food service, QSR, or multi-unit retail (preferred but not mandatory)
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Are hands-on operators or can hire and manage a strong management team
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Possess strong local market knowledge and community engagement skills
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Are financially prepared to meet investment requirements and sustain working capital
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Share a passion for hospitality, food quality, and brand consistency
Location Preferences
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Urban and suburban markets with strong foot traffic
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Areas with high demand for fast-casual dining and delivery
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Proximity to colleges, entertainment districts, and residential hubs
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $350,000 – $700,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $350,000 |
| Franchise Fee | ~$40,000 |
| Number of Franchise Units (USA) | 30+ Active Units |
| Restaurant Size (Avg.) | 1,200 – 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Equipment & Fixtures | $80,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Marketing / Launch Budget | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Ad Fund Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Annual Gross Revenue | $900,000 – $1.5M |
| Estimated EBITDA Margin | 15% – 22% |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 18 – 30 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Combos & Add-ons |