Genesis BBQ opens first outlet in Africa - Yonhap News Agency

SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- Genesis BBQ Co., a South Korean fried chicken franchise operator, said Friday it has opened its first outlet in Africa as it expands its global presence.

BBQ signed a master franchise agreement with Good Tree South Africa, a local company that distributes Korean food, in November last year to open the outlet, the company said in a press release.

A master franchise agreement allows a franchisee to open outlets within a specified territory and sub-franchise them to third parties.

"The South Africa outlet will serve as a strategic foothold and key market for BBQ's expansion across Africa. We aim to attract local customers with customized K-chicken and Korean food offerings," BBQ Chairman Yoon Hong-geun said in the release.

The new restaurant is located in Johannesburg, a major business and financial hub. It will serve the company's signature fried chicken and a range of Korean dishes, the company said.

BBQ said it plans to gradually open more outlets in South Africa next year. It currently has no outlets in other African countries.

Genesis BBQ operates more than 2,400 outlets in South Korea and around 800 overseas outlets in 57 countries, including the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan and Taiwan. About 300 of its overseas outlets are located in 33 U.S. states.

This photo, provided by Genesis BBQ and taken Nov. 12, 2026, shows the company's first outlet in Africa at the Cresta Crossing shopping mall in Johannesburg, South Africa. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)