A new fried chicken restaurant chain will soon launch in Aotearoa, adding yet another chicken offering to an increasingly crowded market.
One of the fastest-growing food brands in South Korea, NeNe Chicken, will open its first store on Queen Street in Tāmaki Makaurau next month - with a planned 17 more to come.
Marcus Teh, the chain's general manager, said they already have 40 stores in Australia and plan to invest $15 million here.
"We expect this unique concept to be just as well received here in New Zealand."
Local suppliers will benefit too, he said.
"We will be sourcing base ingredients and all fresh products within New Zealand - including 120 tonnes of chicken annually," Teh said.
There are already 1600 NeNe Chicken stores worldwide, in several countries including Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Canada, the USA, UAE, and more.
Teh said the company expects to generate $75 million in annual revenue within the next five years, creating almost 300 jobs in the process.
ST Group, which also manages PappaRich, Gong Cha and Ippudo stores, will keep the rights to NeNe Chicken's franchises and licensing.
The company's finances were in better shape now, according to Teh, since more international arrivals had "lifted business sentiment and begun to revitalise the food and beverage sector".
It comes after information leaked in March that US-based restaurant giant Popeyes Louisiana wants to open several stores in Aotearoa in the coming months.
NeNe Chicken offers burgers, wraps, salads, fries, desserts, and a dizzying array of chicken-based offerings.
In Victoria, a four-piece pack of original chicken costs AU$12.95, while a regular Kimchi chicken burger combo costs AU$18.90.
