TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — One of Taiwan's most popular fried chicken chains, J&G Fried Chicken, will open its first branch in the U.S.
On March 6, the company said that its “101000 Plan” will use the U.S. market as a springboard for its global expansion. It is partnering with 85°C Bakery Cafe to open its first U.S. branch, reported the Commercial Times.
Its first U.S. store is slated to launch at the end of March in Southern California.
The eatery has plans to open three stores in the U.S. this year. Its goal is to eventually have 150 stores in the U.S. and 1,000 globally within 10 years.
The fried chicken chain currently has 500 shops around the world, including 70 in Taiwan and 430 in countries such as Canada, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Huang Chih-hsiung (黃智雄), CEO of the firm, said that this year's expansion plan focuses on expanding the overseas market territory, and there are ongoing negotiations with potential partners.
Huang said that J&G Fried Chicken has chosen Southern California as the first location for its expansion into the U.S. because California has a population of 39 million people and 30% of chain restaurant brands in America are in California. He added the company aims to open at least 150 branches nationwide within the next decade.
It aims to combine Taiwanese snacks with American dining culture to create a new "Food Alliance."
The operational model will emphasize “fast casual” dining, with plans to develop into “drive through” takeout and delivery by 2026.
Huang said 5°C Bakery Cafe will assist in sharing local resources during the initial market entry, market site development, local regulatory compliance, engineering, and headquarters logistics support.
The first store in California will be located in Hacienda Heights at 1631 South Azusa Avenue, reported Eater Los Angeles. Menu items include fried chicken sandwiches that feature choices such as original, spicy deluxe, yuzu, and sweet and sour.
