New Korean Burger Chain Plans Georgetown, Other DC Locations

Kraze Burger, the new Korean burger chain, has “definite” plans for a Georgetown location and is eyeing other spots in the District as well including Tenleytown and Union Station, according to Mike McDowell, chief executive officer of Hanshik Ltd. which owns the local franchise for the Asian-based chain.

Kraze Burger will make its debut at two locations in Bethesda this fall, then is mapping a fairly fast rollout at as many as six or seven additional eateries in the metro D.C. area,  McDowell told Patch in a telephone interview last week.

“Georgetown is definitely on the drawing boards for us, as are Tenleytown, Union Station and perhaps a couple of other locations (in the District) too,” he said.

Kraze Burger is a popular burger chain in South Korea which started in 1998 after a Korean visitor to the U.S. had a hunch that burger joints would be a hit in his home country too. The chain has  grown rapidly, spreading to more than 110 locations in Korea and other Pacific Rim countries, company officials said.

Kraze Burger plans to offer healthy ‘alternatives’ to the traditional beef burger which include tofu, turkey and garden burgers, in addition to beef. The chain is targeting a market a bit more upscale than McDonald’s or Burger King with a menu that’s expected to offer more choices than the highly popular Five Guys chain which has seen explosive growth in the D.C. area in recent years.. 

Its foray into Bethesda this fall will mark Kraze Burger’s first entry into the U.S. market. It will initially open on Elm Street in Bethesda on Sept. 1, then open a , McDowell said.

Kraze Burger also plans an eatery in North Bethesda on Rockville Pike across from the White Flint Mall, an area undergoing major redevelopment at present.