Dae Gee Korean BBQ is headed to the Jersey Shore. The Denver-based Korean barbeque concept, known for progressively blending Korean food tradition with American culture, has signed a franchise agreement for the development of four restaurants in the region.
The agreement has been signed with local restaurateurs Brian and Carrie Devereux, who already own and operate the Max Devros restaurant in Manasquan. Though leases have yet to be signed for their Dae Gee restaurants, the couple is actively eyeing Monmouth and Ocean counties for potential sites.
“New Jersey is an untapped market for Dae Gee, and we’re so excited to have the opportunity to get involved with the brand in the early stages of its expansion,” says Brian. “Already one of the fastest growing Korean BBQ chains in Colorado, this is certainly a brand that has the right recipe for success, and we can’t wait to bring its exceptional food and interactive dining experience to the Shore.”
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.
“Dae Gee lights up your senses and enriches the full human experience,” added Carrie.
“Since we began franchising, 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 Brian and Carrie to the Dae Gee family and look forward to opening our first restaurant in New Jersey.”
This latest expansion announcement comes at a time when Dae Gee looks to continue its aggressive franchise growth 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.
Other development agreements have already been signed in Indiana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Texas.
