Dae Gee Korean BBQ is ringing in 2023 on the heels of a momentous year highlighted by four new franchise development deals that will expand the burgeoning Korean barbeque concept in Indiana, South Dakota, Texas and Mexico.
The deals will introduce 24 new restaurants to these markets, including one in Fort Wayne, Indiana; one in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; two in Amarillo, Texas; and 20 across various parts of Mexico. With this gaining momentum, Dae Gee is well on its way to achieving its goal of opening as many as 5-10 new restaurants throughout North America over the next 12 months and at least that many each year thereafter.
“Franchising has always been our long-term goal, and these new commitments only affirm our proven business model and will allow our franchise partners to introduce their communities to our dynamic food and exceptional dining experience,” says Dae Gee founder Joseph Kim. “As we enter the New Year, we’re grateful for the opportunity to expand our footprint and excited for what the future holds.”
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, which means “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.
“When looking for a franchise brand to join, Dae Gee was the only concept that really stood out to us,” says Sam Choe, Dae Gee’s new franchisee in Indiana. “We’re honored to be part of the Dae Gee family, and excited to share what the brand is all about. We’re also excited to be part of the growth. Dae Gee will no doubt have a national presence in the very short term.”
Including a franchise fee of $45,000, the total investment to open a 1,500-2,000 square-foot Dae Gee restaurant ranges from $679,375 to $954,125.
As of now, Kim says there is no preference between single-unit or multi-unit operators. The ideal candidate should not only have strong financial backing, but also a perseverant mindset, especially given what the restaurant industry has gone through in the past couple of years.
