A South Korean fried chicken chain is opening its first regional location in Bethlehem.
bb.q Chicken plans to open soon at the Shoppers Village shopping center, 2360 Catasauqua Road, according to the chain’s location map and The James Balliet Group, the shopping center’s leasing agent. It’s moving into the space that was previously occupied by Quick Print T’s.
The chain was founded in Korea in 1995 and expanded into the United States in 2014. It has several other locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with the next closest sites being in North Wales, Montgomery County and Wayne, Delaware County. The chain has over 3,500 locations nationally and internationally.
The bb.q in the business’ name stands for “best of the best quality.”
bb.q Chicken is known for its fried chicken prepared by the recipes, ingredients and methods used in Korea. Flavors range from traditional favorites to the more adventurous. “Golden Original” is promoted as juicy and tender inside and light and crispy outside; “Hot Spicy” is tossed in a gochujang sauce for serious heat; and the “Cheesling” is dusted in a rich medley of sweet cheeses.
The flavors vary in how they are prepared, meaning some are available as a whole chicken — wings, breasts and thighs — while others are offered only in select cuts or styles. Flavors vary upon location. Both boneless and traditional wings also are offered.
The menu additionally includes a variety of other Korean dishes, such as kimchi fried rice, which is stir-fried rice with chicken and vegetables in a classic kimchi base; and ddeok-bokki, which is classic Korean street food made from rice cakes and fish cakes in a sweet spicy chili reduction.
It all gets paired with such sides as fries, onion rings, steamed rice, coleslaw, cheese sticks and fried dumplings.
bb.q Chicken locations offer dine-in service but focus primarily on takeout and delivery.
bb.q Chicken will join nearly a dozen other tenants at Shoppers Village.
The shopping center is anchored by CVS and also has smaller tenants, including Primo Hoagies, Steel City Beards & Shears, Beef Baron, Bethlehem Nails and Spa, Carvel and Bank of America.
At least three vacancies remain, according to a leasing map, including a large space left by Party City. The party supply giant announced in late 2024 it would be closing all its stores after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.