Dae Gee Korean BBQ – a full-service Korean barbeque concept progressively blending Korean food tradition with American culture – announced today the signing of its first franchise agreement in Indiana for a single unit in Fort Wayne.

The agreement has been signed with Rick Evans, owner of Evans Toyota in Fort Wayne, and the dealership’s general manager Sam Choe. A lease has already been signed and the new restaurant is expected to open in early 2023.

“When looking for a franchise brand to bring to Fort Wayne, Dae Gee was the only concept that really stood out to us,” says Choe. “With a complexity of different flavors and cuisine largely comprised of proteins, vegetables, grains and assorted spices, Korean food is a great choice for the health-conscious and clean-eating consumer. We’re excited to bring Dae Gee’s great food, outstanding service, and exceptional dining experience to the people of Fort Wayne.”

Founded in 2012, Dae Gee’s rise in popularity began in 2015, when the chain was featured on restaurateur Guy Fieri’s long-running food reality television series, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Fieri said of Dae Gee, “This isn’t just any Korean restaurant. This one’s off the hook!”

Today, Dae Gee, meaning “pig” in Korean, exposes customers to an interactive experience that allows them to cook their own meat on grill tops at their tables when they dine. Customers have the option to choose from a variety of traditional Korean meats like Galbee (Beef Shot Ribs), Sam Gyeob Sal (Sliced Pork Belly) and Dak Bulgogi (Chicken), which are marinated in DAE GEE’s secret marinade. Each choice meat, as well as fish and vegetarian options, can be enjoyed in a bowl, hot stone pot, or tucked inside lettuce and eaten as a wrap. Entrees can be piled high with your choice of side or mixings, including rice, fresh slaw, spicy sauce and a variety of nine side dishes, such as kimchee, broccoli, radish and fish cakes.

“Dae Gee lights up your senses and enriches the full human experience,” adds Choe. “From generations of recipes passed down, Dae Gee leaves its customers well fed with culture, humor, and top quality home recipe style Korean food.”

“Since we began franchising last year, Dae Gee has made great strides in expanding to new markets across the country and this is another incredible milestone for the brand,” says Dae Gee founder Joseph Kim. “We’re thrilled to welcome Rick and Sam to the Dae Gee family and look forward to opening our first Indiana restaurant.”

The local expansion announcement comes at a time when Dae Gee is aggressively looking to expand its footprint with new franchisees across the United States. With five corporate-owned restaurants serving throngs of customers throughout Colorado’s Front Range, Dae Gee plans to open as many as 5-10 new restaurants nationwide over the next 12 months and at least that many each year thereafter.

Development agreements have already been signed in three states, including Indiana, South Dakota and Texas.