At bb.q Chicken, our mission has always been to bring the best Korean fried chicken to the world. Since our founding in 1995 in South Korea, we’ve focused on perfecting the art of crispy, flavorful fried chicken, using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. When we first set our sights on the United States, we knew Hawaii would be a key part of our expansion plan, given its multicultural population and love for bold, fusion flavors.
Today, we’re proud to say that bb.q Chicken has become a favorite in Hawaii’s vibrant culinary scene. But the journey of Korean fried chicken to the islands is a fascinating one, shaped by cultural exchange, local tastes, and the growing popularity of Korean cuisine across the globe.
The Global Rise of Korean Fried Chicken
Before we dive into our story in Hawaii, it’s essential to understand the origins of Korean fried chicken. In the 1970s, fried chicken began gaining popularity in South Korea, but it wasn’t just a copy of American fried chicken. We Koreans developed our own unique style, frying the chicken to create an extra crispy texture while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Sauces like soy-garlic and spicy gochujang added bold flavors that set Korean fried chicken apart from its American counterpart.
By the 2000s, Korean fried chicken had become a national obsession, and it wasn’t long before it started gaining international recognition, largely thanks to the spread of hallyu (the “Korean Wave”) and the global interest in Korean culture. Korean fried chicken restaurants began popping up across the U.S., and Hawaii was one of the early adopters, thanks to its position as a gateway between Asia and the mainland United States.
Bringing Korean Fried Chicken to Hawaii
When bb.q Chicken first considered expanding to Hawaii, we knew that we were entering a market with an already well-established food culture. Hawaii’s culinary cuisine is a unique blend of many influences, including Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, and native Hawaiian. Fried chicken, in particular, was already popular in Hawaii, often featured in plate lunches or alongside island classics like mac salad and rice.
We believed that our take on Korean fried chicken would resonate with locals because of its bold flavors and crispy texture. When we opened our first location in Hawaii, we saw an immediate positive response from customers who were excited to try something new yet familiar. Our menu featured classic bb.q Chicken flavors like Golden Original, Honey Garlic, and Hot Spicy, which quickly became customer favorites.
The Appeal of Korean Fried Chicken
Since its inception, bb.q Chicken’s wide variety of sauces and flavors has appealed to Hawaii’s adventurous food lovers. Our Honey Garlic and Cheesling flavors, for example, brought something entirely new to the island’s food scene. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory notes fit right in with Hawaii’s existing fusion culture, where different culinary traditions blend together to create unique flavor profiles. In addition, bb.q Chicken has its own Secret Sauce flavor, providing a sweet and tangy take on Golden Original fried chicken.
We also understood that Hawaii has a rich history of Korean immigrants, dating back to the early 1900s when Koreans first arrived as laborers on the sugarcane plantations. Over time, Korean food became an integral part of the local cuisine. Dishes like kimchi, bulgogi, and kalbi were already popular, so it was only natural that Korean fried chicken would be embraced by Hawaii’s multicultural population.
How bb.q Chicken Thrived in Hawaii
As more customers discovered our chicken, we saw an incredible surge in demand. Hawaii’s locals loved the idea of eating fried chicken with a twist, especially when paired with traditional sides like rice and mac salad. At bb.q Chicken, we also introduced local specials that catered specifically to Hawaii’s tastes, experimenting with tropical ingredients and fusion dishes to create a unique experience.
One of the reasons bb.q Chicken has continued to thrive in Hawaii is because of our commitment to quality. At every location, we use the freshest ingredients and ensure that each piece of chicken is fried to perfection. Our focus on maintaining high standards has resonated with Hawaii’s foodies, who appreciate not only the taste but also the care we put into every meal.
The Future of bb.q Chicken in Hawaii
Since we opened our first location in November 2021 at the Kuono Marketplace in Honolulu’s Kahala neighborhood, bb.q Chicken has continued to grow across the Hawaiian islands. We’re constantly innovating and expanding our menu to meet the needs of our local customers while staying true to our Korean roots. Whether it’s through special seasonal offerings, local flavors, or new sauces, we aim to keep our customers excited about what bb.q Chicken has to offer.
Looking ahead, we’re committed to deepening our connection with our island communities. We believe that Korean fried chicken has found a lasting home in Hawaii, where people love bold, flavorful food that reflects the island’s rich cultural diversity. As bb.q Chicken continues to expand, we’re excited to be part of Hawaii’s dynamic food scene for years to come, bringing the best of Korean fried chicken to locals and visitors alike.
