IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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 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.
Connect with The Habit on social media at facebook.com/habitburger, instagram.com/habitburgergrill, twitter.com/habitburger and youtube.com/habittube.
About 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 10 Best 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.