The sizzle of Korean BBQ is about to heat up the Boston scene with Dae Gee Korean BBQ, the Denver-based restaurant sensation, planning to inaugurate its first Massachusetts location, having already basked in the televised glow of Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Founded in 2012, Dae Gee ascended to national fame after being showcased on the Guy Fieri-led show in 2015, according to MassLive.
Embracing the wave of Korean cultural phenomena such as K-pop and acclaimed television series, Dae Gee Korean BBQ is strategically expanding, feeding the appetite for the Korean fare that's increasingly becoming an American menu mainstay. The Boston outpost is only one of the multiple franchises Dae Gee is adding nationwide, including spots in Indiana, New Jersey, South Dakota, Texas, and even Mexico within the next 12 months, a move that speaks to the sweeping reach of this culinary trend and consumer demand for an array of proteins, vegetables, grains, and savory spices that Korean cuisine offers.
Slated for a late-spring opening, the 1,800-square-foot space located at 83 Parkhurst Road in Chelmsford will be the contemporary stage where chef and owner Joe Kim's all-you-can-eat buffet and scratch-made sides delight the local crowd. "From the rising popularity of K-pop groups like BTS to the hit Netflix series ‘Squid Games,’ the world is falling in love with everything Korean; even Korean cuisine is fast becoming an American staple," Kim expressed on Dae Gee's franchise page. The restaurant's broad selection of meats, including rib-eye beef and pork belly, and myriad of sides will be among the key attractions.
Aligning with a growing trend of mindful eating, Dae Gee's culinary offerings range from hearty meats to fish and vegetarian options, appealing to the health-forward Bostonian palate. The founder touts the beneficial blend of balanced nutrition and authentic Korean taste, "from generations of recipes passed down, DAE GEE leaves our customers well-fed with culture, humor, and top-quality home recipe style Korean food," Kim said, providing a tantalizing preview of what's to come as the establishment prepares to plate up in Chelmsford—not just serving food, but doling out tradition with a side of conviviality.
