Bonchon Alexandria Location Opens, Debuts New Menu Items

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Bonchon, a franchise known for its double fried chicken and other Korean delicacies, has opened an Alexandria location at the Bradlee Center. While the location has been open since Jan. 17, grand opening festivities are planned the week of Feb. 28.

The new location at 3690 King Street Suite N is the first in the City of Alexandria. The menu is centered around Bonchon's popular fried chicken wings, drumsticks and tenders with a choice of soy garlic, spicy or half-and-half sauce. Other Pan Asian favorites including japchae, kimchi, Korean tacos and potstickers. Co-owner Stanley Grabowski says three of the offerings are unique to the Alexandria location: the chicken sandwich with kimchi coleslaw, mac and kimcheese, and Korean street corn. The location is awaiting approval to offer alcohol.

Bonchon was founded in South Korea in 2002, but the concept has caught on in the U.S. and worldwide. The U.S. has over 115 locations, and there are hundreds more worldwide. Grabowski believes Bonchon got its start in the U.S. with the Korean American population but grew in popularity when others visit to try the menu.

Alexandria was a good fit for the new location, especially since the shopping center owner actually sought a Bonchon location there, according to the owner. Along with being a popular shopping and dining center, Bradlee Center also gets visits from students at Alexandria City High School and Episcopal High School.

"Alexandria is a great community. People have an interest in different kinds of food," said Grabowski. "We felt it was a very good fit."

The COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for the opening, as supply chain issues led to equipment delivery delays. Even with equipment delivery delays, the location opened within a week of the planned opening date. On the permitting and inspection side, Grabowski praised the city, health department, fire department and fire marshal's office for a smooth process.

Bonchon will celebrate its grand opening Monday, Feb. 28 to Thursday, March 3 with specials each day. Feb. 28 will feature $1 drums (up to five), March 1 will have $1 mac and kimcheese or Korean street corn, March 2 will have $1 wings or boneless wings (up to 10) and March 3 will have $1 seasoned fries.

Dine-in, takeout and third-party delivery service are available. It is recommended customers use the Bonchon app when ordering ahead. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, visit the Alexandria - King Street location website.