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Korea-based Fried Chicken Concept ‘Bonchon’ to Open in Tucson

(Photo courtesy of Bonchon)

Korea-based Fried Chicken Concept ‘Bonchon’ to Open in Tucson

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“When police were dispatched to manage traffic around a new restaurant, I knew we had a winning formula,” said Jinduk Seo, owner of the Korea-based chain, Bonchon. The restaurant got its start back in 2002 and has become quite a popular chain in the U.S. ever since.

Here in Tucson, Bonchon is set to open sometime soon at 6310 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #101.

a woman holding a bunch of food on a plate
(Photo courtesy of Bonchon)

Tucson franchisee, Matt Quick, first caught a whiff of the chain while flipping through a magazine on a flight — he read that Bonchon’s wings were named the best in Dallas, Texas. At the time, Quick, who used to own five Papa John’s locations in Tucson, was searching for a new concept to bring to the Old Pueblo.

“Bonchon, to me, presented an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand that has a solid foundation of 20 years in the business but with the feel of a concept on the brink of becoming something really big, and I also just loved the food,” said Quick.

What’s on the Menu?

Bonchon’s menu includes chicken of all types: wings, strips, drumsticks, boneless bites, and Chicken Katsu — katsu sauce and spicy mayo drizzled on top of a breaded chicken cutlet that’s served with steamed rice. You’ll also find bibimbap and Korean Tacos on the menu.

a plate of food on a table
Chicken Katsu (Photo courtesy of Bonchon)

Since signing on his first location, Quick added three more Bonchon locations to cover the Tucson market. Quick, a Tucson native, is pumped to bring Bonchon, which translates to “my hometown” in English, to his hometown.

“From my initial contact with Bonchon, I have been very impressed by the management team, who truly listens, cares, and is willing to adapt to help me be successful,” Quick added. “Bonchon exemplifies the ideal balance of authenticity and innovation.”

There’s no exact opening date yet for the spot on Tanque Verde Road but there’s a Tempe location up north if you’re interested. Also, for local spots serving similar delights, check out Oh My Chicken inside the Park Place Mall and KOGI Korean BBQ (just to name a couple).

Bonchon will be located at 6310 E. Tanque Verde Rd. #101. For more information, visit bonchon.com.

Article written by:

Matt Sterner

Matt Sterner

More about Matt

At a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.

He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.

If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.

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Tucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes.

Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. 

Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! 

More details on Tucsonfoodie.comTucson’s Greek dining scene offers spanakopita, slow-roasted lamb, and fresh-baked baklava across the city. This guide focuses on kitchens that cook Greek food as their core identity rather than Mediterranean restaurants with Greek dishes. Whether you want a quick lunch near campus or a long dinner with friends, this guide points you to Greek cooking. Make sure to stop by the @Tucsongreekfestival at Jácome Plaza this Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7! More details on Tucsonfoodie.com
Join the Tucson Foodie team for our November Foodie Dinner at @Wildgarlicgrillofficial on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6–8:30 pm!🔥

Enjoy a three-course menu featuring:

FIRST COURSE 
Lemon Sole Paupiettes filled with shrimp and crab mousse, with basil-red pepper beurre blanc

MAIN COURSE
Mesquite-Grilled Gold Canyon Ranch Filet Mignon with blue oyster mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes, asparagus, and morel mushroom-truffle cream sauce

DESSERT
Raspberry-Vanilla Crème Brûlée

Optional wine pairings and drink specials will also be available!🍷

Tickets are $105 per person, plus tax. Foodie Club members receive a discount with a promo code at checkout!

Seats are limited! Ticket ink in bio.🎟️Join the Tucson Foodie team for our November Foodie Dinner at @Wildgarlicgrillofficial on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 6–8:30 pm!🔥 Enjoy a three-course menu featuring: FIRST COURSE Lemon Sole Paupiettes filled with shrimp and crab mousse, with basil-red pepper beurre blanc MAIN COURSE Mesquite-Grilled Gold Canyon Ranch Filet Mignon with blue oyster mushrooms, roasted heirloom potatoes, asparagus, and morel mushroom-truffle cream sauce DESSERT Raspberry-Vanilla Crème Brûlée Optional wine pairings and drink specials will also be available!🍷 Tickets are $105 per person, plus tax. Foodie Club members receive a discount with a promo code at checkout! Seats are limited! Ticket ink in bio.🎟️
TUCSON GREEK FEST GIVEAWAY!🎉

We’re giving away 2 pairs of (Saturday) VIP tickets to Tucson Greek Fest! 

Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for a weekend filled with delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations.

Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 

📍Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave.
Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Like this post 
2. Follow @tucsongreekfestival and @tucsonfoodie 
3. Tag a friend in the comments (unlimited entries) 

Good luck! 

No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by @tucsonfoodie. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.TUCSON GREEK FEST GIVEAWAY!🎉 We’re giving away 2 pairs of (Saturday) VIP tickets to Tucson Greek Fest! Experience the warmth and hospitality of Greece right here in Tucson! Head downtown to Jácome Plaza for a weekend filled with delicious Greek food, lively music, folk dancing, shopping, and plenty of cultural celebrations. Gyros, baklava, saganaki, and so much more. 📍Jácome Plaza | 101 N. Stone Ave. Friday, Nov. 6 – Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 HOW TO ENTER: 1. Like this post 2. Follow @tucsongreekfestival and @tucsonfoodie 3. Tag a friend in the comments (unlimited entries) Good luck! No purchase necessary. Must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by @tucsonfoodie. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram.
Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during October! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️

🍔@Thebigdaneenergy: Fried Chicken & Pandan Waffle @kindeethaiaz, Green Chile Burger @bosburger__, Corned Beef and Eggs @bajacafetucson 

🥯@Addiewankenobi: Everything Bagel with Heirloom Tomato @batatucson, Branzino @tohonochulgardenbistro, Pad Kee Mao @kindeethaiaz, Appetizing Board with Tuna Salad @knellersdelicatessen 

🍜@Deathfreefoodie: Tofu and Vegetable Chow Fun @jundynasty 

🍣@Jackie_tran_: Heirloom BLT @sawmillrun, Seared Salmon Nigiri @kintokisushihouse, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Smoked Prime Dip @knellersdelicatessen, Chongqing Noodles @noodleholicstucson, Duck a L’Orange @corktucson 

Tell us about some of your favorite dishes in the comments!Here’s a look back at what the Tucson Foodie team enjoyed during October! Not only are these reminders of the dishes we ate, but they can also be a guide for your own decisions on what to eat here in Tucson.❤️ 🍔@Thebigdaneenergy: Fried Chicken & Pandan Waffle @kindeethaiaz, Green Chile Burger @bosburger__, Corned Beef and Eggs @bajacafetucson 🥯@Addiewankenobi: Everything Bagel with Heirloom Tomato @batatucson, Branzino @tohonochulgardenbistro, Pad Kee Mao @kindeethaiaz, Appetizing Board with Tuna Salad @knellersdelicatessen 🍜@Deathfreefoodie: Tofu and Vegetable Chow Fun @jundynasty 🍣@Jackie_tran_: Heirloom BLT @sawmillrun, Seared Salmon Nigiri @kintokisushihouse, French Toast @sunshine_wine_tucson, Smoked Prime Dip @knellersdelicatessen, Chongqing Noodles @noodleholicstucson, Duck a L’Orange @corktucson Tell us about some of your favorite dishes in the comments!