A popular Korean fried chicken franchise is gearing up for a major expansion across Greater Boston.
Local franchisee Jacky Zheng is planning to open four new bb.q Chicken locations in the area, including two expected to open this month. The upcoming restaurants are planned for 1459 Dorchester Avenue in Dorchester and 1019 Trapelo Road in Waltham, both slated to open in October 2026, followed by locations at 27 Temple Street in Framingham and 339 Squire Road in Revere, which are targeting openings in late 2026 or early 2027, Zheng confirmed with What Now Boston.
A recent Facebook update from The Waltham Channel, however, identifies an upcoming bb.q Chicken at 137 Moody Street in Waltham, where a common victualer license was approved in September. Zheng has not yet clarified whether the Moody Street restaurant is the same project or an additional location.
Founded in Seoul, South Korea, in 1995 by Chairman Yoon Hong-guen, bb.q Chicken’s mission is to bring Korean fried chicken to diners around the world. The brand’s name stands for “Best of the Best Quality,” emphasizing its focus on crispy, juicy fried chicken and boldly flavored sauces.
“Our Korean fried chicken is crispier, juicier, and more tender than anything you’ve tasted before, and our sauces provide an eclectic mix of flavor,” reads the company’s website. “We fry all our Korean fried chicken in the traditional method. Hand-brushed, hand-battered, and fried at lower temperatures for longer periods of time. This creates our unforgettably crispy texture. Once tossed in any of our signature sauces, you’re free to enjoy fried chicken like you’ve never tried before.”
Today, bb.q Chicken has more than 3,500 locations worldwide. The menu centers around Korean fried chicken served in a variety of formats, including whole chicken, wings, boneless pieces, and drumsticks. Beyond its signature fried chicken, the eatery offers Korean favorites such as ddeok-bokki, rice bowls, and kimchi fried rice.
Once all four new restaurants open, bb.q Chicken’s Massachusetts footprint will reach 16 locations, adding to the 12 existing bb.q Chicken restaurants across the state. Zheng already operates several bb.q Chicken restaurants throughout Greater Boston, including the brand’s recently opened location at 248 Elm Street in Somerville.
