Bonchon Acquired by Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity

Long-standing partners to accelerate worldwide growth of beloved Korean fried chicken brand

Dallas, Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bonchon, a global leader in Korean fried chicken, announced its acquisition by Minor Food (MF) and Serruya Private Equity (SPE) from existing shareholders VIG Partners and Mr. Seo & Family. MF and SPE now own the Bonchon brand and operations across complementary territories, with MF owning the business globally outside the Americas and SPE owning the business throughout the Americas. 

“Bonchon’s success is driven by passionate franchise partners who believe in the brand and its potential,” says Suzie Tsai, CEO of Bonchon. “Korean influence is everywhere, and Bonchon is proud to be part of that story in communities around the world. Minor Food and SPE will enhance our franchise network and help us accelerate our growth, bringing Bonchon’s iconic flavors and experience to even more guests.”

MF, a wholly owned subsidiary of Minor International (MINT), is one of Asia’s largest restaurant groups and the current master franchisee of the Bonchon brand in Thailand. MINT is a global company focused on hospitality and restaurants. Toronto-based SPE is the Serruya family’s private investment platform, with more than three decades of experience building and operating consumer and franchise businesses across North America and internationally.  

Looking ahead, SPE plans to invest in Bonchon’s existing U.S. platform while pursuing disciplined expansion across the Americas, with priority growth markets including Canada, Mexico, Chile and continued development in existing U.S. markets.

“Bonchon is one of the most compelling global restaurant brands, with a differentiated product, a loyal customer base, significant untapped growth potential and a highly scalable franchise model,” says Michael Serruya, Chairman of Serruya Private Equity. “We have enjoyed a successful relationship with Minor for more than 30 years and share a common philosophy of building strong consumer brands through disciplined franchise growth and operational excellence. Together, we look forward to supporting Bonchon’s management team and franchise partners while accelerating the brand’s growth across the U.S. and throughout the Americas.”    

The transaction deepens MF’s long-standing relationship with Bonchon, as it moves from operating a key market to becoming the owner of Bonchon’s brand and operations globally excluding the Americas, and adding a high-growth, asset-light, royalty-driven brand to MF’s F&B portfolio. Together, MF and SPE bring extensive multi-market operating capability, franchise expertise and a global network across Asia and beyond. 

A major achievement for the brand, it also signals the continued rise of Korean culture on the global stage. As Korean food, entertainment, beauty, and lifestyle have become mainstream around the world, consumers are increasingly seeking authentic dining experiences that connect them with the culture behind the cuisine. Bonchon has been introducing guests to Korean flavors for more than two decades, and its popularity has risen from highly differentiated food, authentic flavors in chef-driven creations, and strong word-of-mouth. 

Bonchon reached major international milestones in 2026, reaching 150 U.S. locations and 500 locations worldwide across nine countries. That growth is powered by Bonchon's franchise network — a community of passionate, experienced operators who bring the brand to life in their markets every day. The brand has become a beloved destination for guests seeking authentic Korean flavors paired with craveable menu innovation, creating a differentiated position in an increasingly competitive restaurant landscape. 

William Blair served as the lead financial advisor to Bonchon International, with BDA Partners as co-advisor. 

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About Bonchon

South Korea-born Bonchon, which translates as “my hometown,” was founded in Busan, South Korea in 2002. Today, the brand operates approximately 500 restaurants across nine countries. Known for its hand-battered, double-fried, crazy crispy Korean fried chicken, Bonchon sets out to have its fans around the world join the “Korean Flavor. Global Obsession.” The brand continues to grow in popularity and has earned several accolades including Fast Casual Magazine’s 2026 Top Movers & Shakers, Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 and Technomic’s Top 500 chain restaurants. For more information, visit bonchon.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit franchising.bonchon.com. Follow Bonchon on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About Serruya Private Equity (SPE)

Serruya Private Equity Inc. (“SPE”) is the Serruya family's private investment platform, focused on building and growing consumer-facing businesses through strategic capital and hands-on operational support. SPE invests the family's own capital, enabling it to take a patient, long-term approach to ownership and sustainable growth. The Serruya family has deep experience in franchising, food and beverage, and retail, with a track record of scaling and repositioning established brands across North America and internationally. Current and past portfolio brands include Yogen Früz, Pinkberry, Swensen's Ice Cream, Cold Stone Creamery, Marble Slab Creamery, Pretzelmaker, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and Cha Cha, among others, representing more than 1,300 locations in over 40 countries. For more information, please visit www.serruyaprivateequity.com.

About Minor Food (MF)

Minor Food Group (“MF”) is a leading food service company in Asia, operating 2,843 outlets across 24 countries under a portfolio of iconic internationally recognized and homegrown brands, including The Pizza Company, Swensen's, Dairy Queen, Burger King, Bonchon, Sizzler, Benihana, The Coffee Club, Sanook Kitchen, Riverside Grilled Fish, and GAGA, together with more than 1,000 additional outlets through strategic investment in S&P PCL and BreadTalk Group. For more information, please visit www.minorfood.com.

About Minor International (MINT)

Minor International (MINT) is a global company focused on two core businesses: hospitality and restaurants. MINT is a hotel owner, operator and investor with a portfolio of 647 hotels under the Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli, NH Collection, NH, nhow, Elewana, The Wolseley, Colbert Collection, Minor Reserve Collection, iStay, Four Seasons, St. Regis, JW Marriott and Radisson Blu brands in 67 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Ocean, Europe and the Americas. MINT is also one of Asia's largest restaurant companies with 2,843 outlets system-wide in 24 countries under The Pizza Company, The Coffee Club, Riverside Grilled Fish, Sanook Kitchen, Benihana, Bonchon, Swensen's, Sizzler, Dairy Queen, Burger King and GAGA brands, as well as over 1,000 further outlets held through MINT's strategic investment in S&P PCL and BreadTalk Group. For more information, please visit www.minor.com.

Attachments

• Bonchon acquired by Minor Food and Serruya Private Equity
• Bonchon reaches company milestones and announces its acquisition

Renee Cossman
renee@cossmanpr.com