Instagram is already all over it. The long awaited first Seattle outlet for Korean fried chicken phenom Bonchon opened quietly on First Hill over the weekend with limited hours and a limited menu.

The hype for such a thing, of course, is unlimited and it has been building since CHS broke the news in January — 2018! — that the global, South Korean-born chain was coming to Broadway.

The new restaurant is now open in the new construction Zig Apartments at the corner of Broadway and James. The global Bonchon chain was born in South Korea in 2002 before expanding internationally a few years later with a start in New Jersey and New York. It now boasts more 88 U.S. locations and has a robust franchising system in place.

“‘Bonchon’” means ‘my hometown’ and is an homage to the company’s roots in Busan, South Korea,” the franchisee packet reads. “We are famous around the world for our signature fried chicken, which is double-fried with one of two secret sauces. Despite Bonchon’s growing presence around the world, our name ensures we never lose sight of our roots.”

Bonchon’s arrival gives the Seattle U kids Korean fried chicken options to the south and to the north where, in December 2017, Seattle’s Bok a Bok expanded from its White Center original to add a new location next to Neumo’s.

During the “soft opening” period, Bonchon is planned to be open from 11 AM to 2:30 PM and again from 5 to 8 PM daily, closed Sunday but keep in mind that hours could vary until the official opening.

Bonchon is locasted at 554 Broadway. You can learn more at bonchon.com.

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