BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A restaurant franchise, with more than 3,500 locations worldwide, will soon have a presence in the Lehigh Valley.
The first Lehigh Valley location of bb.q Chicken, known for its crispy, juicy and tender Korean fried chicken with sauces that provide an “eclectic mix of flavor,” is expected to open in mid-May at 2360 Catasauqua Road in Bethlehem, franchisee Sang Lee told 69 News.
The restaurant will occupy a renovated spot that previously housed Quick Print T’s in the Shoppers Village shopping center.
Lee was originally hoping to debut the Bethlehem eatery last year, but target opening dates were pushed back a couple of times primarily due to construction issues, including necessary HVAC updates, Lee said.
“We encountered some delays, but we’re super excited to be opening very soon,” Lee said. “It should be in about a month and a half.”
Established in 1995 in Seoul, South Korea, bb.q Chicken was founded by Yoon Hong-guen with a simple mission: “serve great-tasting, high-quality Korean fried chicken to the world,” according to a message on the business’ website.
The business’ footprint now spans more than 3,500 locations in 57 countries, and Hong-guen currently serves as chairman of Genesis BBQ Group, the parent company of bb.q Chicken restaurants.
At bb.q Chicken restaurants, staff members prepare the Korean fried chicken in a traditional method: hand-brushed, hand-battered and fried at lower temperatures for longer periods of time.
bb.q Chicken Logo (PRNewsfoto/bb.q Chicken)
By bb.q Chicken
The business prioritizes education and training, and it established its own Chicken University in 1999 as a dedicated facility for research and development and franchisee education.
The bb.q in the business’ name stands for “best of the best quality.”
“Our secret is simple: We’re passionate about chicken, and we’re passionate about Korea,” a message on the business’ website reads.
“We established Chicken University in Seoul to keep us on the cutting edge of quality and flavor, and all our stores — whether it’s in Korea or Kansas—champion Korean culture with authentic recipes, exciting flavors, and superior customer service.”
Lee, who lives about two miles away from the under-development Catasauqua Road restaurant, has extensive experience in the food service industry, including several years working as a server and host in various New York City restaurants.
He labels himself a “longtime fan” of bb.q Chicken and is excited to bring the brand to the Lehigh Valley.
Before moving to the Bethlehem area in 2023, he lived in Union County, N.J. and would frequent the bb.q Chicken location in Edison, N.J.
Known for its commitment to quality and authenticity, bb.q Chicken boasts lighter, crispier and more flavorful options than the regular American-style fried chicken, due to its distinct and uniquely Korean frying method. bb.q Chicken’s extensive menu also includes more than 13 different flavor options delivered directly from Seoul for both boneless and bone-in options, along with other K-food offerings, such as Tteokbokki and Kimchi fried rice.
By bb.q Chicken
“My wife got pregnant two years ago, and when I introduced her to this franchise back when we were in Jersey, she wouldn’t eat any other chicken,” Lee said with a laugh.
The bb.q Chicken restaurants offer a variety of flavors, ranging from traditional favorites to adventurous new creations.
Some flavors such as Golden Original (juicy and tender inside, light and crispy outside) are available as whole chicken (wings, breasts and thighs), traditional wings and boneless, while others are only available in some styles. Flavors also vary by restaurant.
In addition to Golden Original, other popular flavors include honey garlic, soy garlic, Caribbean spice and Lee’s personal favorite, Secret Sauce, a “sweet and tangy take” on Golden Original.
Spicy selections such as “Hot Mala” and “Wings of Fire” are also available.
“I would definitely recommend trying the Original crispy chicken because the hype behind the chicken originally started because of how crispy it is compared to chicken from other franchises,” Lee said.
Customers also can enjoy other Korean dishes such as kimchi fried rice (stir-fried rice with chicken and vegetables in a classic kimchi base) and ddeok-bokki (classic Korean street food made from rice cakes and fish cakes in a sweet spicy chili reduction), along with sides such as cheese sticks, fried dumplings, pickled radish and sweet potato fries.
Lee will operate the Bethlehem restaurant with his brother-in-law, John Gurung.
The restaurant will cater primarily to customers placing pick-up and delivery orders, Lee said. No indoor seating will be available.
The restaurant is tentatively set to operate 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday, Lee said.
It will join nearly a dozen other Shoppers Village tenants, including other food and beverage spots Primo Hoagies, Beef Baron and Carvel.
James Balliet and Yousef Alhaddad from The James Balliet Property Group were the agents who represented both the landlord and tenant on this deal.