GEN Korean BBQ, one of the largest Asian casual dining restaurant concepts in the United States, is opening a new location in La Jolla at 4373 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite G12.
The company’s newest location, which will be the second in San Diego County following Mira Mesa, is set to move into the Westfield UTC shopping center later this year, according to a recent liquor license application. It’s unclear when this location will open, but when it does, customers can expect an extensive menu that includes traditional Korean and Korean-American food, including high-quality meats, poultry, seafood, and mixed vegetables. The company first opened in San Diego in 2018.
Founded in 2011 by two Korean immigrants in Los Angeles, the company has grown to over 30 company-owned locations where guests serve as their chefs preparing meals on embedded grills in the center of each table. With its unique culinary experience, modern décor, and lively atmosphere, GEN Korean BBQ delivers an engaging and interactive dining experience that appeals to a vast population segment. The new location proves the company is nowhere close to slowing down, further demonstrated during GEN Korean BBQ House’s third quarter 2024 financial results.
“As we approach the end of 2024, our focus remains on executing our growth strategy while providing unparalleled customer value,” David Kim, Co-Chief Executive Officer of GEN, said in a press release. “With the addition of our three most recently opened restaurants, we remain on pace to reach our goal of opening a total of 10 to 11 new locations in 2024 and generating a restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 18%. Backed by over $22 million in cash and cash equivalents, we’re confident we can achieve our expansion and operational goals that will drive sustained growth and profitability, ensuring long-term value creation for our shareholders as we continue to scale GEN Korean BBQ into new markets.”
