- Credibility:
EDGEWATER — South Korea-based chain restaurant BB.Q Chicken has opened in Edgewater, making it the second Chicago location for the business as it seeks to expand.
BB.Q Chicken opened in June at 1103 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Its specialty is Korean fried chicken. The brand debuted in Chicago last year, opening its first location in Chinatown.
BB.Q Chicken has 2,000 locations in South Korea and is embarking on a major United States expansion, with eight locations in Illinois and another planned to open in September at 1337 W. Fullerton Ave. in Lincoln Park, said Andrew Lee, the chain’s strategic marketing manager.
“Korean Fried Chicken has been a huge thing since the late 2010s,” Lee said. “Korea doesn’t have a long history with fried chicken, so we made it in our own image.”
Credit: Instagram/BB.Q ChickenKorean Fried Chicken is marinated in spices before it is breaded and fried. All items are fried to order, a process that takes about 20 minutes. Calling ahead is encouraged, Lee said.
The spiciness of Korean fried chicken comes from the marinade.
BB.Q Chicken serves wings with or without sauce. The sauce is added by tossing the wings and sauce in a wok to get a pan-glazed effect, Lee said.
BB.Q Chicken also offers a chicken sandwich and Korean dishes, including bokki, kimchi fried rice and a kimchi quesadilla.
The BB.Q Chicken in Edgewater is owned by the woman who owned Isshin Ramen, a restaurant at the same location that closed during the pandemic, Lee said. The owner decided to switch businesses to something that works better in the current environment.
“Our business is very strong in takeout and delivery,” Lee said. “When other businesses were struggling, we were able to grow.”
Lee said local residents have been good to the restaurant.
“Most of our clientele has been the Edgewater locals,” he said. “That’s really exciting.”
BB.Q Chicken is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. For more information on the business, click here.
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