Southern California chain Gen Korean BBQ opened its first Tucson restaurant at 6129 E. Broadway Blvd. on Wednesday. Guests grill meats and vegetables at their tables, choosing from a wide menu of Korean and Korean-American favorites.
This marks the company’s third location in Arizona.
A Growing Korean Barbecue Brand
Gen Korean BBQ started in 2011, when founders David Kim and Jae Chang opened the first restaurant in Tustin. From that first location, the concept spread across the Western United States. By 2024, the chain had more than 40 restaurants nationwide.
Owners focused on value and experience as the chain expanded, drawing customers with a social style of dining that lets groups cook their own food at the table.
The company went public on the Nasdaq in 2023, further fueling growth and adding markets from New York to Florida.
What to Expect in Tucson
At the Tucson restaurant, diners will find the same menu of meats, seafood and classic Korean side dishes that made the brand popular elsewhere.
For more information, visit genkoreanbbq.com.
For more on local Korean restaurants in Tucson, see our guide to the best Korean restaurants in Tucson.
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Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
