The Habit Burger Grill (Nasdaq: HABT) is setting its sights on South Korea as the next international growth target as the burger-centric restaurant concept continues its steady march abroad. To support its expansion plans, The Habit has partnered with the experienced business development consulting firm, Bridging Culture Worldwide to attract multi-unit franchise development companies.
“South Korea, with its savvy consumers, open minded culture and interest in global brands is an ideal marketplace for The Habit Burger Grill’s expansion,” said John Phillips, The Habit Burger Grill’s Chief Global Business Partnership Officer. “The people of South Korea appreciate quality food and enjoy the fast-casual experience. We look forward to working with Bridging Culture Worldwide to find the right franchise partner to ensure our mutual success.”
The Habit Burger Grill’s entry into the South Korea marks the next phase in a larger international expansion plan. Bridging Culture Worldwide will help The Habit lead its expansion into the broader Asia-Pacific region. The consulting, strategic planning and market entry service is excited to join this venture.
“South Korea has embraced premium Western brands and The Habit Burger Grill delivers exactly what consumers are seeking – great food and excellent service. With their distinctive fresh off the grill Charburger and hand-crafted sandwiches, fresh salads and other menu items, we know South Korea will appreciate all that The Habit Burger Grill has to offer,” said Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide’s Founder and CEO.
Better burgers are just the beginning at The Habit where the menu also includes hand-cut salads, grilled sandwiches including line-caught, sushi grade ahi tuna, fresh chicken, and hand-filleted marinated grilled tri-tip, and sides including onion rings, sweet potato and French fries, and tempura green beans. Guests can choose from a variety of peppers, lemons, limes, and sauces at a complimentary condiment bar to customize the flavor of their meal. The Habit Restaurants, Inc. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Habit Burger Grill is a burger-centric, fast casual restaurant concept that specializes in preparing fresh, made-to-order chargrilled burgers and handcrafted sandwiches featuring USDA choice tri-tip, grilled chicken and sushi-grade ahi tuna cooked over an open flame. In addition, it features fresh made-to-order salads and an appealing selection of sides, shakes and malts. The Habit was named the "best tasting burger in America" in July 2014 in a comprehensive survey conducted by one of America's leading consumer magazines. The first Habit opened in Santa Barbara, California in 1969 and was most recently named the winner of USA Today’s 10Best in Regional Fast Food. The Habit has since grown to over 265 restaurants in 12 states throughout Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Washington as well as six international locations. More information is available at www.habitburger.com.
About Bridging Culture Worldwide Founded by Don Southerton, Bridging Culture Worldwide provides targeted market entry, strategy, and consulting to Korea-based global businesses as well as support for major western firms entering Korea.
With a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country, Southerton has researched and authored numerous publications with topics centering on the creative culture lifestyle, the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and U.S.-Korean business ventures.
Southerton has been a contributor to The Economist, Branding in Asia, Automotive News, the BBC, CNN Fortune, Korea Times, Yonhap, Korea Herald, tbs eFM, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. To learn more, go to www.bridgingculture.com.
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By Don Southerton I am a strong advocate for Korean global business . I see tremendous opportunities and am passionate about helping Korean brands succeed overseas and enabling international brands to thrive in the Korean market. As I have shared, Korean and global companies must recognize the considerable upfront support and investment required to enter markets outside their home countries. I want to share what I see as best practices for 2025. Step 1: Do your homework Invest time and resources in discovering the local market. Seek an expert knowledgeable about the local market and business sector to conduct an objective, detailed competitive analysis . The report should identify the strengths and weaknesses of the competition within the market, strategies that will give you a distinct advantage, the barriers that may hinder your entry into the market, and vulnerabilities in the competition that can be exploited. Too often, I see a company scratch the surface of its market dis...
I’m excited to share some fantastic news. My contribution to The New York Times appeared in today’s U.S. print edition — with a two-page feature and even a front-page mention The article explores the role of North Korea’s Leader, Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, and what it signals about the future of North Korea You can read the full interactive feature here: New York Times Article ( http://redirect.medium.systems/r-mHBdwqrJ93?source=email-463f61e5afc2-1756297400026-newsletter.subscribeToProfile--90c76d3b212a-----------------------d555b293_2278_4a77_b329_4dc7ae82cb63--------317b96d4f928) Being included in such a high-profile story is an honor, and once again, I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute my insights to a global audience. Thank you for your continued support and interest in my work. Warm regards, Don
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