Genesis BBQ Global Opens First Store in South Africa, Bringing K-Chicken to Johannesburg
: Enters Johannesburg, South Africa's Economic Hub

 

 

Genesis BBQ Global has opened its first store in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest economic and financial center, bringing K-Chicken and Korean food to the local market. The company opened its first bb.q Chicken store in South Africa at Cresta Crossing Mall in Randburg, Johannesburg, Gauteng Province. In November last year, Genesis BBQ Global signed a Master Franchise (MF) agreement with Good Tree South Africa, a local company that operates a Korean food distribution business, and has since been preparing to enter the South African market. Randburg, where the new store is located, is a residential and commercial area in northwestern Johannesburg. The area has a relatively high share of high-income households. With residential areas and shopping facilities nearby, Randburg is considered a good location for attracting restaurant customers.

 

 

Johannesburg is South Africa's largest economic and financial center, home to many major companies and financial institutions. According to data released by Statistics South Africa in 2025, Gauteng Province, where Johannesburg is located, accounted for approximately 36% of South Africa's total household spending in 2023, making it the country's largest consumer market. Cresta Crossing Mall, where the new bb.q Chicken store is located, is home to global restaurant brands and popular local food brands. With various restaurants and everyday shopping facilities, the mall attracts local residents for both shopping and dining. The store is located at a corner of the shopping mall near major roads, making it highly visible to drivers and visitors. The restaurant covers approximately 149㎡ (45 pyeong) and has a total of 54 seats.

 

 

 

The menu focuses on bb.q chicken while also offering popular Korean dishes and familiar food options for local customers. Chicken options include "Chicken Board," where sauce is added to the chicken in front of customers, "UFO Chicken," which features four different flavors of chicken served with cheese fondue for dipping, and "Chicken Meal," which customers can enjoy as a full meal. The restaurant also serves popular Korean dishes such as tteokbokki, bulgogi, and bibimbap, allowing local customers to experience a variety of Korean food along with chicken. In addition, the menu includes chicken burgers made with bb.q sauces, as well as pasta and salads, giving customers more choices.

 

 

At the time of signing the MF agreement, Genesis BBQ Global stated, "South Africa is a strategic gateway and key base for our expansion into Africa. We aim to expand K-Chicken and Korean food across the continent through menus tailored to local tastes." The new store marks a meaningful step in introducing bb.q's unique flavors and a variety of K-Food to Johannesburg, South Africa's key consumer market. Genesis BBQ Global will continue to strengthen its brand competitiveness and reach more customers by offering menus that reflect local tastes and food culture.