• by Teresa Buyikian , January 18, 2024

Bonchon, the Korean fast-casual chain known for its double fried chicken, announced Suzie Tsai has been appointed U.S. CEO.

Tsai joined the brand last year as chief growth officer. She brings more than 25 years of marketing and branding leadership experience to Bonchon after working with such brands as On The Border Mexican Grill and Cantina, Chili's Grill & Bar, KidZania and Verizon. She replaces Bryan Shin, who remains with the company to focus on global expansion as international CEO and group CFO.

“Like Bonchon, I was born in South Korea and moved to America," said Tsai in a release. "Bonchon continues to evolve and strengthen critical elements in our offerings, from menu and technology, to store formats that reach our customers."

Tsai takes the helm as the company announced over 40 new locations slated for 2024, in such new markets as southern Florida, Little Rock, Arkansas, Tucson, Arizona and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company opened its first U.S. location in New York City in 2006 and currently has almost 150 locations nationwide.

Currently at 430 total locations, the Busan, South Korean chain has plans to grow to 500 U.S. locations and 1,000 international locations within the next five years.. Last year the company introduced traditional Korean Yangnyeom and K-BBQ sauces to accompany Bonchon's proprietary sauces, Soy Garlic & Spicy, which use authentic Korean ingredients.