“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.
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.
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.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt 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.
