Thanks to the soaring popularity of K-food, a boom in Korean franchise businesses is underway in Southern California. As interest in K-pop and K-dramas transitions to K-food, successful Korean franchises are setting their sights on the U.S. market. Korean Americans eager for a second career are increasingly turning to franchise opportunities, hoping to bring K-food into the mainstream.

According to Korean industry sources, franchise information sessions have been held throughout Southern California, with two sessions already this year and a third scheduled for November 21. On November 12, Bankcard Services in Torrance hosted a “K-Franchise Investment Seminar” that attracted significant interest. This was the second such seminar in the area this year and featured established K-franchises like Fun Beer King, Tom N Toms Coffee, and Pish MALA Hot Pot, all of which have gained traction in the U.S. Attendees received a practical introduction to franchise preparation from renowned franchises in Korea.

Participants explored brand identities, menu options, and consumer trends, with the opportunity for one-on-one consultations with franchise representatives. An event official noted, “There was an overwhelming interest among Korean Americans in franchise ownership, and many had an optimistic outlook on K-food’s growth potential.”

On August 22, another K-franchise event was held at Buena Park’s Source Mall, sponsored by the Korea Franchise Association and the Orange County Korean Chamber of Commerce. Originally conducted online, the growing interest in K-franchises led to an in-person format, which was well-received. Brands like Tous Les Jours, Bonchon Chicken, Cho Dang Tofu, Honey Mee, Jaws Tteokbokki, Inssaeng Beer, Saladie, and Heuk Hwa Dang participated, all of which are successful franchises in Korea.

The third franchise seminar of the year will be held at the Madang Mall in LA’s Koreatown, hosted by real estate platform Neozips. Scheduled for November 21 from 12 PM to 3:30 PM at Madang Mall’s CGV theater, the event will feature ten franchises, including Katsu Bar, Solim MALA, E-PLEX, ChiChi, Poke Bar, Shabu All Day, KyoDong Donuts, Insaeng Agujjim, Myeongryun Jinsa Galbi, and Sound Chicken. Established franchises like Katsu Bar, Solim MALA, E-PLEX, and Sound Chicken will discuss their plans for U.S. expansion and franchise opportunities, while others will introduce their business models and future goals for the American market.

Tae-Soo Oh, CEO of Neozips, said, “This event focuses on well-established franchises that have already found success in both Korea and the U.S. It’s a valuable opportunity for prospective franchisees to get comprehensive information.” Industry experts predict that the demand for K-food will continue to rise, with Korean franchises expanding beyond major cities like LA and New York into smaller markets in the future.

For participation in the November 21 event, attendees must register online or by scanning a QR code on their smartphones.

Inquiries:

Website: neozips.com
Phone: (949)-557-7744
—By Hong-yong Park

<Hongyong Park>