BBQ in hot seat for charging extra $2.30 for chilled meat

By Park Jae-hyuk

Controversy is rising over an additional 3,000 won ($2.30) charged for Genesis BBQ's 20-piece hot wings when made with chilled instead of frozen chicken.

The fried chicken franchise explained that it has decided to provide the option to satisfy the needs of customers who want chilled meat. But consumers have regarded the new option as a trick to avoid public criticism of the price hike.

Since last month, some Genesis BBQ franchisees have allowed customers ordering hot wings to choose between chilled and frozen chicken when they make purchases via mobile delivery apps. The hot wings made with chilled meat are priced at 23,000 won, while those made with frozen meat are priced at 20,000 won.

According to Genesis BBQ, its hot wings are basically made with frozen chicken. For customers who want chilled meat, however, some of its franchisees have sold hot wings made with chilled meat for higher prices over the past 15 years.

Although Genesis BBQ said it has decided to put hot wings made with chilled meat on its official menu in response to requests from its franchisees, consumers have leveled criticism at the company, after realizing the fact that they have paid 20,000 won for products made with frozen meat.

Over the past few years, Genesis BBQ and other fried chicken franchises have drawn complaints from consumers, due to their steep price hikes.

In particular, Genesis BBQ Chairman Yoon Hong-geun caused a severe backlash last year from consumers and lawmakers because of his remarks that the price of fried chicken should be at least 30,000 won.

Last month, Kyochon F&B faced public criticism, following its decision to raise its fried chicken prices by up to 3,000 won. Due to the decision, consumers have been forced to pay nearly 30,000 won if they want to get fried chicken delivered from Kyochon.

The government has repeatedly urged restaurant chains to refrain from hiking prices further, in order to reduce the burden on low-income households.

On Friday, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs hosted a meeting with representatives from Starbucks Korea, Lotte GRS, Kyochon F&B, BHC, Genesis BBQ, Mom's Touch and several other restaurant franchises, to ask them to maintain their prices for a while, in line with the falling global ingredient prices.