Dive Brief:
- Bonchon appointed Bryan Shin, the company’s former global CFO, as its CEO in the U.S., the brand announced Tuesday.
- Shin succeeds Flynn Dekker, who left the post to become CEO at Shipley Do-Nuts this month.
- As CEO, Shin will help improve the company’s brand position through menu innovation, enhancements to guest touch points and by expanding the brand’s footprint and different formats depending on the market.
Dive Insight:
Shin will oversee the company’s aggressive growth in the U.S., where it has a pipeline of 100 units. Within five years, the company, which has around 120 domestic units, could double its presence nationwide. This year, the chain expects to open roughly 30 units.
Shin said in the press release that his initiatives include new product launches, providing tools to streamline operations for franchisees, exploring technology that can improve efficiencies and designing a new store layout and design to meet consumer demands.
Shin joined Bonchon in 2019 as head of global finance. He has over 10 years of experience in the global food and beverage space, the company said. Prior to Bonchon, he was the Korea head at Goose Island Restaurant Business for a year, according to his LinkedIn profile. His career also includes two years as executive vice president at CJ Foodville, where he implemented strategies for the global launch of Korean food, and over eight years at Yum Brands Asia Franchise in a role focused on business development and strategic planning.
"As a leader with a solid cross-functional background, Bryan holds a holistic viewpoint of how to optimize the F&B business in a competitive environment," Bonchon Chairman of the Board Byungmoo Park said. "His strength lies in his extensive knowledge of franchise business, market launch and store development, store operations and optimization, and exposure to franchisees from diverse backgrounds and countries, which are vital elements for the successful operation of a restaurant business."
