Less than two years after a fire destroyed Bonchon’s lone presence in Annandale, the popular restaurant chain is back in the neighborhood.
Franchise owner Song Kyong opened Annandale’s newest outpost for Korean fried chicken last Friday (Jan. 31) at 7133B Columbia Pike — a stone’s throw from the previous location that was destroyed by the March 2023 blaze.
“The previous location was a very successful location and we are looking forward to reconnecting with the community,” a Bonchon spokesperson told FFXnow in August.
One major difference, however, is the restaurant’s size. While the new location previously housed similar eateries, it sits at 933 square feet, representing a significant drop from the nearly 4,000-square-foot space that Bonchon formerly occupied.
Because of this, Bonchon implemented a refreshed design that “showcases our South Korean roots and growth in the U.S.,” a spokesperson said.
Founded in South Korean back in 2002, Bonchon’s menu is led by its signature fried chicken, which can be ordered with the bone in (wings and drumsticks) or boneless (strips). Diners can also indulge in a variety of other traditional dishes, including tteokbokki, bibimbap and much more.
The new Annandale location follows the December opening of a Bonchon franchise in Herndon, giving the chain seven restaurants across Fairfax County. It joins a variety of nearby restaurants, including the neighboring Gom Ba Woo, which is set to close in the coming months.
Bonchon’s first U.S. restaurant came in 2006. The company, now with nearly 150 locations nationwide, is eyeing an expansion to 500 U.S. restaurants by 2029.
