Key Points
- Korean street food chain Bunsik will open new restaurants in Coventry and Birmingham in autumn 2026.
- The brand is opening the sites with franchise operator ZK Group, following an earlier launch in Plymouth.
- Bunsik’s Birmingham restaurant will open in the Bullring shopping centre as its first location in the West Midlands.
- Founder Jae Cho and ZK Group director Zubari Ali said regional demand for Korean street food led to the expansion plans.
- The new launches come as Bunsik shifts to a franchise model to expand into more UK regions outside London and Greater Manchester.
BIRMINGHAM (Birmingham Express) September 1, 2026— Korean street food operator Bunsik, September 1, 2026 — Korean street food chain Bunsik has confirmed plans to open two new regional branches in Coventry and Birmingham in autumn 2026, marking a major step in its strategic growth across the Midlands.
The upcoming sites follow a deal between Bunsik and franchise partner ZK Group. The rollout aims to capitalise on growing consumer demand for Asian fast-casual dining concepts outside the UK capital.
What Are the Details of Bunsik’s New Site Launches?
As reported by Foodservice Equipment Journal, Bunsik will open its doors in Coventry as well as inside Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre later this year. The Birmingham location represents the brand’s flagship debut in the West Midlands region.
According to Foodservice Equipment Journal, the new branches will be operated in partnership with ZK Group, an entity that previously collaborated with Bunsik on its regional site in Plymouth. The brand’s menu offer in both cities will feature its core lineup, including Korean corn dogs, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap, and Korean fried chicken.
How Have Executive Leaders Responded to the Expansion Announcement?
Reporting on official corporate statements, Foodservice Equipment Journal quoted Jae Cho, founder of Bunsik, who stated: “Coventry and Birmingham are exciting milestones for Bunsik as we continue bringing Korean street food to more communities across the UK. ZK Group has been a fantastic partner, and we’re excited to keep growing together.”
Highlighting the operator’s perspective, Zubari Ali, director of ZK Group, said: “The response to Bunsik in Plymouth has been fantastic, giving us great confidence in the brand’s potential beyond London and South England. We’re proud to be opening in Coventry and the Bullring and look forward to what’s next.”
As documented by Feed the Lion, Bunsik’s core offerings maintain a fully Halal-certified menu across its estate. The outlet quoted Bunsik’s official consumer guidelines stating that “all of the menu items in our restaurants are halal” to serve diverse demographic markets in major metropolitan centres.
What is the Background Behind Bunsik’s Expansion Strategy?
Founded under parent company Maguro Group, Bunsik opened its initial site on London’s Leicester Square in 2021. Capitalising on viral social media momentum—particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram—the brand built widespread recognition for popularising Korean corn dogs throughout the UK.
Over the past three years, Bunsik expanded its footprint across multiple London districts, including Camden, Chinatown, Earl’s Court, Westfield Stratford, Embankment, Shepherd’s Bush, and Brixton. It subsequently initiated regional growth into major non-London hubs, opening venues in Manchester (Piccadilly Gardens and Trafford Centre), Bristol, Southampton, and Plymouth.
Earlier in 2026, company leadership signaled a transition in its operational structure. Following the launch of its Trafford Centre site in Manchester, Bunsik shifted from direct corporate management under Maguro Group to a franchise-led growth framework. The partnership with multi-unit franchise operators such as ZK Group and CMB Hospitality forms the primary operational mechanism for its target estate expansion through 2026 and beyond.
What is the Future Outlook for Consumers, Franchisees, and Commercial Retail Landlords?
The expansion into Coventry and Birmingham indicates a broader shift within the UK quick-service restaurant (QSR) market, where international street food concepts are increasingly moving from niche viral trends into regional shopping centres.
- For Consumers: Local residents in the West Midlands gain access to high-demand Korean fast-casual dining options without traveling to London or Manchester. The presence of certified Halal menus also broadens access for diverse local communities in Coventry and central Birmingham.
- For High Street & Shopping Centre Landlords: Prime commercial destinations, such as Birmingham’s Bullring, benefit from securing high-footfall brands that hold strong appeal among Gen Z and millennial demographics driven by social media engagement.
- For Hospitality Operators & Franchisees: The continued rollout validates the financial viability of scaling Asian fast-casual formats through regional franchise partnerships, potentially encouraging further investment in secondary and tertiary UK cities.
