Popular Korean Fried Chicken Restaurant Signs Lease for 3CDC Space

bb.q Chicken Expected to Open at 4^th & Race This Winter

CINCINNATI (July 19, 2022) – bb.q Chicken, an internationally popular Korean fried chicken restaurant, has signed a lease with Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) to move into the non-profit developer’s 4th & Race project. The restaurant will move into a 3,500-square-foot street-level space at 150 W Fourth Street in early 2023.

bb.q is a fast-growing franchised restaurant that focuses on the increasing popularity of Korean fried chicken. bb.q, which stands for “Best of the Best Quality,” was named one of the top 25 fastest growing restaurant chains by unit by Nations Restaurant News in 2020, a year when many restaurants were struggling to survive the pandemic.

The first bb.q was established in 1995 as part of Korean-based Genesis BBQ Group, which had opened 100 locations in its first year. It entered into the global market in 2003, with the first franchised location opening in the United States in 2006. It currently has 140 locations within the U.S., and 3,500 globally.

Patrons will have an opportunity to try flavors including Honey Garlic, Golden Original and Secret Sauce, which are some of its best-selling options. In addition to chicken, bb.q’s menu also features traditional Korean dishes like ddeok Bokki and American side dishes like French fries.

After looking at many spaces throughout Cincinnati, Henry Ly, who has a background in business, decided on a space Downtown because of how he thinks it will do with the crowd.

“The location is close to the two large sporting stadiums and Fountain Square,” he said. “The traffic in the nearby area and the energetic crowd both align with the bb.q clientele.”

3CDC also felt the restaurant would be a great fit for the organization’s 4th & Race project, where it will join popular bakery café chain Paris Baguette.

“It’s been our goal to activate this corridor in a way that complements the exciting activity over at Fountain Square and The Foundry,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Senior Commercial Leasing Officer with 3CDC. “Adding the Korean fried chicken concept bb.q to the mix helps diversify dining options. We think it will be a great addition that residents, businesses and visitors will enjoy!”

The Downtown location will be Ohio’s first location and Ly’s first location as a franchisee owner. Construction on the space is expected to begin in the next few months and is estimated to be completed in early 2023.

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About 3CDC

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is a private, non-profit full-service real estate developer with a mission and strategic focus to strengthen the core assets of Downtown Cincinnati in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. Its work is specifically focused on revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine. For more information, visit http://www.3cdc.org.