{"id":1813850,"date":"2026-08-28T10:45:50","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:45:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/news\/bonchon-to-be-acquired-by-serruya-private-equity-and-minor-foods-in-split-market-deal\/"},"modified":"2026-08-28T10:31:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:31:30","slug":"bonchon-to-be-acquired-by-serruya-private-equity-and-minor-foods-in-split-market-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/news\/bonchon-to-be-acquired-by-serruya-private-equity-and-minor-foods-in-split-market-deal\/","title":{"rendered":"Bonchon to Be Acquired by Serruya Private Equity and Minor Foods in Split-Market Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-bold-font-weight wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-weight:700\"><strong>Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon has agreed to a split-market acquisition: Serruya Private Equity will take over the brand&#8217;s operations in the Americas, while Minor Foods will own all other territories. The transaction, announced in August 2026, covers roughly 500 locations across nine countries, including approximately 150 restaurants in the United States.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bonchon<\/strong>, a Dallas-based <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/our-franchises\/\">franchise brand<\/a> with Korean origins, has been owned by Korean private-equity firm <strong>VIG Partners<\/strong> since its U.S. debut in New York City in <strong>2006<\/strong>. The brand operates through a mix of full-service restaurants, fast-casual formats, ghost kitchens, and mall locations, and is known for its double-fried chicken and Korean-inspired sauces including Soy Garlic, Yangnyeom, and K-BBQ. Under the agreement announced by the company, <strong>Serruya Private Equity<\/strong> will own the brand throughout the Americas, with primary expansion focus on the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Chile. <strong>Minor Foods<\/strong> will take ownership of all Bonchon locations outside the Americas. The deal was expected to close by the end of August 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\">Two Buyers, Two Territories: How the Deal Is Structured<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The transaction divides Bonchon&#8217;s global footprint along geographic lines. Toronto-based Serruya Private Equity, whose current portfolio includes brands such as STK Steakhouse, Swensen&#8217;s, Yogen Fruz, Pinkberry, and Everbowl, will manage the brand across the Americas. Minor Foods, a subsidiary of <strong>Minor International<\/strong> and one of Asia&#8217;s largest restaurant groups, will control operations in the rest of the world. Minor Foods is already Bonchon&#8217;s master <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/articles\/franchise-franchisee-franchisor-roles-responsibilities\/\">franchisee<\/a> in Thailand, where it operates more than <strong>130<\/strong> Bonchon units. Minor International stated that its total investment in the brand reached <strong>$50 million<\/strong>. Financial terms for Serruya&#8217;s portion of the deal were not disclosed. The two firms have a working relationship spanning more than <strong>30<\/strong> years and have collaborated on other brands, including Swensen&#8217;s.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote\" style=\"--color: #e74c3c; \"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__content\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__quote-wrapper\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg-wrapper\"><svg class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg\" width=\"56\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 56 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M40.6 16.52H46.06C51.38 17.64 55.3 21.14 55.3 27.58C55.3 34.72 49.84 39.2 42.98 39.2C34.72 39.2 29.54 32.62 29.54 23.24C29.54 9.52 38.64 0.699999 55.58 0V5.04C46.62 6.3 41.3 9.52 40.6 16.52ZM10.92 16.52H16.52C21.84 17.64 25.76 21.14 25.76 27.58C25.76 34.72 20.3 39.2 13.44 39.2C5.18 39.2 0 32.62 0 23.24C0 9.52 9.1 0.699999 26.04 0V5.04C17.08 6.3 11.76 9.52 10.92 16.52Z\" fill=\"#e74c3c\"\/><\/svg><\/div><blockquote class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__text\">Bonchon is one of the most compelling global restaurant brands, with a differentiated product, a loyal customer base, significant untapped growth potential and a highly scalable franchise model. We have enjoyed a successful relationship with Minor for more than 30 years and share a common philosophy of building strong consumer brands through disciplined franchise growth and operational excellence.<\/blockquote><\/div><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-details\"><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-pre-text\">A QUOTE FROM<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-name\">Michael Serruya<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-title\">Chair, Serruya Private Equity<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2\">Serruya&#8217;s History in Franchise Restaurant Groups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Serruya Private Equity has a long track record of acquiring and operating <a href=\"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/our-franchises\/restaurants\/\">franchise restaurant<\/a> portfolios. The firm previously owned <strong>Global Franchise Group<\/strong>, a collection that included Round Table Pizza, Great American Cookies, Hot Dog on a Stick, Marble Slab Creamery, and Pretzelmaker, before selling the group to Fat Brands in <strong>2021<\/strong>. Before that, Serruya owned <strong>Kahala Corp.<\/strong>, which was sold to MTY Food Group in <strong>2016<\/strong>. Minor Foods, for its part, operates more than <strong>2,843<\/strong> restaurants across <strong>24<\/strong> countries under brands including The Pizza Company, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Sizzler, and Benihana. The split-ownership structure gives each buyer a geographically focused mandate, with Serruya concentrating on North and South American growth for the Bonchon brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3\">Korean Flavors, Global Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bonchon&#8217;s expansion in the United States has tracked the broader rise of Korean culinary influence in American dining. The brand, which entered the U.S. market two decades ago, has grown to approximately <strong>150<\/strong> domestic locations and competes across both full-service and fast-casual dining segments. The acquisition brings Bonchon under new ownership at a moment when Korean food culture continues to gain mainstream visibility across the country. Suzie Tsai has served as CEO through the brand&#8217;s recent growth phase and remains part of the leadership team as the ownership transition progresses.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote\" style=\"--color: #e74c3c; \"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__content\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__quote-wrapper\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg-wrapper\"><svg class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__svg\" width=\"56\" height=\"40\" viewBox=\"0 0 56 40\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M40.6 16.52H46.06C51.38 17.64 55.3 21.14 55.3 27.58C55.3 34.72 49.84 39.2 42.98 39.2C34.72 39.2 29.54 32.62 29.54 23.24C29.54 9.52 38.64 0.699999 55.58 0V5.04C46.62 6.3 41.3 9.52 40.6 16.52ZM10.92 16.52H16.52C21.84 17.64 25.76 21.14 25.76 27.58C25.76 34.72 20.3 39.2 13.44 39.2C5.18 39.2 0 32.62 0 23.24C0 9.52 9.1 0.699999 26.04 0V5.04C17.08 6.3 11.76 9.52 10.92 16.52Z\" fill=\"#e74c3c\"\/><\/svg><\/div><blockquote class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__text\">Bonchon&#8217;s success is driven by passionate franchise partners who believe in the brand and its potential. Korean influence is everywhere, and Bonchon is proud to be a part of that story in communities around the world.<\/blockquote><\/div><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author\"><div class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-details\"><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-pre-text\">A QUOTE FROM<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-name\">Suzie Tsai<\/p><p class=\"lc-gut-blog-post-author-quote__author-title\">CEO, Bonchon<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or professional advice. Laws and regulations vary by state and individual circumstances and may change over time. Readers should consult a qualified attorney, tax professional, or other licensed professional regarding their specific situation. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Korean fried chicken chain Bonchon has agreed to a split-market acquisition: Serruya Private Equity will take over the brand&#8217;s operations in the Americas, while Minor Foods will own all other territories. The transaction, announced in August 2026, covers roughly 500 locations across nine countries, including approximately 150 restaurants in the United States. Bonchon, a Dallas-based [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":788,"featured_media":1813859,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_titles_title":"Bonchon Sold to Serruya PE and Minor Foods in Split Deal","_seopress_titles_desc":"Bonchon agreed to a split-market acquisition by Serruya Private Equity and Minor Foods covering 500 locations across nine countries.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_seopress_robots_follow":"","_seopress_robots_imageindex":"","_seopress_robots_snippet":"","_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_robots_breadcrumbs":"","_seopress_robots_freeze_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_custom_modified_date":"","_seopress_robots_canonical":"","_seopress_social_fb_title":"","_seopress_social_fb_desc":"","_seopress_social_fb_img":"","_seopress_social_fb_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_fb_img_height":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_title":"","_seopress_social_twitter_desc":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img":"","_seopress_social_twitter_img_attachment_id":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_width":0,"_seopress_social_twitter_img_height":0,"_seopress_redirections_value":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled":"","_seopress_redirections_enabled_regex":"","_seopress_redirections_logged_status":"","_seopress_redirections_param":"","_seopress_redirections_type":0,"_seopress_analysis_target_kw":"","_seopress_news_disabled":"","_seopress_video_disabled":"","_seopress_video":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas_manual":[],"_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable_all":"","_seopress_pro_rich_snippets_disable":[],"_seopress_pro_schemas":[],"content-type":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"1798251,1763391,1804572,1543960,1767670,1782808","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3594],"tags":[],"type-de-post":[2066],"class_list":["post-1813850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-franchise-networks","type-de-post-articles-actualite"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1813850","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/788"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1813850"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1813850\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1813857,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1813850\/revisions\/1813857"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1813859"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1813850"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1813850"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1813850"},{"taxonomy":"type-de-post","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexpress-franchise.com\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/type-de-post?post=1813850"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}