Mama Chicken Shifts Focus to Delivery and Takeout, Expands Franchise Business

by Kim Hyuna Posted : May 17, 2026, 17:24Updated : May 17, 2026, 17:24
Image of Mama Chicken's delivery and takeout-focused store
Image of Mama Chicken's delivery and takeout-focused store [Photo=Mama Chicken]

Mama Chicken, the chicken brand of Korea's Papa John's, is set to expand its franchise business by focusing on delivery and takeout-oriented store models.
On May 17, Mama Chicken announced that it will restructure its operating strategy to center around delivery and takeout specialized stores, based on data accumulated from three years of operating company-owned locations.
Launched in 2023, Mama Chicken entered the market with an American-style chicken concept, featuring signature items like Cajun fried chicken and buffalo wings. The brand has tested various formats, including restaurant-style and delivery-focused outlets, to assess operational efficiency and customer demand in different markets.
In this process, Mama Chicken has noted the shift in the chicken market towards delivery platforms and the growing demand for takeout. With increasing delivery app fees, the company has determined that cooking speed, turnover rates, and quality are directly linked to profitability, prompting a focus on developing new store models.
The newly introduced delivery and takeout specialized stores will operate in a small format, designed with optimized workflows and operational systems for takeout orders. The menu composition, cooking methods, and packaging have also been redesigned to enhance order processing efficiency.
Some adjustments will be made to the store operation strategy. The Mapo location, which has been run as a casual pub, will close, while the Independence Gate and Korea University locations will continue to operate in formats tailored to their respective market characteristics.
A representative from Mama Chicken stated, "The delivery and takeout specialized stores reflect our accumulated operational know-how and will serve as a standardized model for future franchise expansion."
According to market research firm Euromonitor, delivery accounted for approximately 35% of the domestic dining market in 2024. This share is expected to grow to 37% by 2029, reaching levels similar to dine-in sales.



* This article has been translated by AI.