Dae Gee Korean BBQ Signs First Franchise Agreement

Dae Gee Korean BBQ – a hybrid full-service and fast casual Korean barbeque concept progressively blending Korean food tradition with American culture – has signed its first-ever franchise agreement for the development of two restaurants in Amarillo, Texas.

The restaurants will be owned and operated by local entrepreneur Phuc Nguyen, who already owns and operates two nail salons in the area. While leases have yet to be signed, Nguyen is committed to opening the first of his two restaurants within the next 12 months.

Each restaurant will occupy approximately 1,500-2,000 square feet of real estate and employ as many as 10 people.

“My decision to bring this great concept to Amarillo comes at a time when Korean food continues to gain more popularity among U.S. consumers. With a complexity of different flavors and cuisine largely comprised of proteins, vegetables, grains and assorted spices, Korean food is a great choice for the health-conscious and clean-eating consumer. And the trend shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon,” says Nguyen. “I’m eager to bring Dae Gee’s great food, outstanding service, and overall dining experience to the people of Amarillo.”

At Dae Gee, customers are exposed to an interactive experience that allows them to cook their own meat on grill tops at their tables when they dine. The traditional Korean meats like Galbee (Beef Shot Ribs), Sam Gyeob Sal (Sliced Pork Belly) and Dak Bulgogi (Chicken) are marinated in Dae Gee’s secret marinade and can be enjoyed in a bowl or hot stone pot, or tucked inside lettuce and eaten as a wrap. Fish and vegetarian options are also available. Entrees can be piled high with whatever you want to mix in: rice, fresh slaw, spicy sauce and a variety of nine side dishes, such as kimchee, broccoli, radish and fish cakes.

"We’re thrilled to welcome Phuc to the Dae Gee family and look forward to opening our first Texas restaurant," said Dae Gee founder Joseph Kim. "We’re excited to expand into this new market and are dedicated to Dae Gee’s success and future growth in The Lone Star State."

Including a franchise fee of $45,000, the total investment to open a Dae Gee restaurant ranges from $679,375 to $954,125.

The local expansion announcement comes just a few months after Dae Gee announced the launch of its franchise opportunity and plans to expand across the Western United States. With five corporate-owned restaurants already open and operating across Colorado’s Front Range, Kim expects as many as 5-10 new Dae Gee restaurants to open by the end of 2022 and at least that many each year thereafter.