Bonchon, the world-famous restaurant chain known for its signature Korean double-fried chicken, announced today the appointments of Greg Buchanan as Senior Vice President of Development and Bryan Shin as Chief Financial Officer.
The new appointments, announced by Bonchon CEO, Flynn Dekker, are part of Bonchon’s strategy to add experienced leaders to the team to drive Bonchon’s rapid growth in the United States and around the world.
As Senior Vice President of Development, Buchanan will oversee the company’s growing roster of domestic franchise locations while introducing the brand to new markets and partners from coast to coast. As a seasoned industry veteran, Buchanan’s focus will be on solidifying new partnerships with qualified franchisees, enhancing the site selection process, testing new formats, and increasing the development pipeline as the brand looks to add an additional 500 locations in the United States over the next seven years. Buchanan will split his time between Bonchon’s corporate headquarters in New York City and the company’s new regional office in Dallas, Texas.
“We are thrilled to have Greg join the Bonchon team,” said Flynn Dekker, Bonchon CEO. “He brings a deep understanding of finance, operations and restaurant development from his years as a proven leader in this industry. His vast knowledge and expertise in franchise growth and management is a huge asset to Bonchon as we continue to gain more franchisees in the United States and expand into new markets. In this newly created position, he will lead and expand on our organization’s level of expertise in real estate, development, construction and design as well as help us continue to look toward the future when it comes to service models, operations and technology.”
Buchanan joins Bonchon with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He has held senior level development roles at TGI Friday’s and Darden Restaurants, and has served as President of La Madeleine and Buffet Partners Holding Company. Most recently he served as Chief Development Officer for Le Duff America where he was head of all development functions for notable brands La Madeleine Bakery Café, Brioche Doree, Mimi’s Café and Bruegger’s Bagels. Prior to his tenure at Le Duff America, he led his own real estate advisory firm providing development consulting services to the restaurant industry.
As Chief Financial Officer, Bryan Shin, based in Seoul, South Korea, will oversee and analyze the financial planning and development for Bonchon as the brand moves to increase its presence in new and existing markets worldwide. Shin’s prior experience includes senior executive positions and strategic roles at Goose Island Brewing Company, CJ Foodville and YUM! Brands where he led strategic brand-building, market penetration, and business turnaround efforts.
“We are excited to have Bryan as Bonchon’s new Chief Financial Officer. With years of financial, operational, and strategic marketing experience, he will be instrumental as Bonchon continues to grow both domestically and internationally,” says Dekker. “Bryan’s longstanding career as a change agent leading world-wide brands and high-growth companies to massive success is going to be a game-changer for Bonchon. In addition to his fiduciary duties, he will also support our international Master Franchisees across seven countries and continue to drive innovation and strategy at our Global Kitchen in Busan, South Korea where our signature sauces are made.”
Bonchon debuted in the United States in 2006 and quickly became one of the fastest growing restaurant chains around the world based on its proprietary sauces (custom made at Bonchon’s Global Kitchen in Busan, South Korea), signature crunchy, double-fried chicken recipe, and other authentic menu offerings. Bonchon is headquartered in New York City, with its international headquarters in Seoul, South Korea.
ABOUT BONCHON:
Founded in South Korea in 2002 and established in the United States in 2006, Bonchon, Korean for ‘my hometown’, currently has 93 United States restaurants in operation with franchise outposts in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Bonchon has a total of 333 locations worldwide including Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Kuwait, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Bonchon was recognized by Food & Wine Magazine in 2017 as “The Best Chicken Wings in the U.S.” The traditional sit-down restaurant provides a friendly, fine casual experience great for dining with family and friends. For the ultimate convenience, Bonchon fried chicken is just as enjoyable at home, and most restaurants offer take-out and delivery services. For menus, locations or franchise opportunities go to bonchon.com. Follow @bonchonchicken on Instagram and @bonchon on Twitter.
