Korean Fried Chicken Chain BB.Q Chicken Opens First Austin Restaurant | Eater Austin

"Opening today, Monday, August 17, the Korea-based chain BB.Q Chicken is launching its first Austin location at 6929 Airport Boulevard, Suite 158 in the Highland neighborhood. The new restaurant will operate with takeout, curbside pickup, and catering (third-party delivery to come later) and is not offering dine-in service due to COVID-19; it also offers contactless payments, and employees will wear face masks, gloves, and face shields and undergo wellness and temperature checks, with hand-sanitizer stations and frequent cleaning of high-touch areas. Despite the name (BB.Q stands for “best of the best quality,” not Korean barbecue), the spot is known for Korean fried chicken fried in fresh oil and cornstarch, available in flavors including the original; Gangnam-style (peppers and leeks sautéed in a black pepper sauce); Wings of Fire (very spicy); honey-garlic; soy-garlic; and the Cheesling (cooked in a mascarpone and cheddar cheese mixture). There are bone-in and boneless choices, several fry options, and sides such as tteokbokki, calamari, takoyaki, and rice. The restaurant lists a full bar, beer, and soda, though it’s unclear if alcoholic drinks are being offered to-go. Originally slated to open August 10, the debut was delayed by last-minute construction; BB.Q is taking orders by phone at (512) 344-9014, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and is offering 10 percent off all orders through Monday, August 31. BB.Q’s parent company, Genesis BBQ Group, started in Korea in 1995, expanded into America in 2006, and already has locations in Plano, Katy, and the greater Dallas–Fort Worth area, with another coming to Houston." - Nadia Chaudhury