Korean Fried Chicken Chain Heading for Carmel Valley

Bonchon, the worldwide Korean fried chicken chain that first arrived in San Diego in 2018, has signed its third lease in the San Diego area. Joining its Kearny Mesa store and another location scheduled to open as soon as late May in National City is a new outpost in Carmel Valley.

The company, which is selling fried chicken-themed merchandise to benefit a national restaurant employee relief fund, will be part of the second phase of The Village at Pacific Highland Ranch. The development, which is under construction, will be located next to the existing complex which currently houses eateries like Breakfast Republic, Wokou, Madero’s, and Pacific Social.

Bonchon tells Eater that it plans to open the Carmel Valley branch by January 2021 and is considering additional expansion to Westfield UTC, San Marcos, and Oceanside.