Chicken Headquarters Hit All-Time Highs While Franchises Face Negative Growth: The Two Faces of the Chicken Industry Through April 2026 Data

The daily reality of chicken franchises. In 2025, when the combined sales of the top three headquarters exceeded 1.6 trillion won for the first time, the number of chicken franchises decreased for the first time according to the Fair Trade Commission. An average of 2.1 employees per franchise, 41 million won in differential franchise fees, and up to 29.3% in delivery commissions define the reality of these kitchens. [Photo = Korea Business Review DB] In April 2026, unprecedented news emerged from the chicken industry. BBQ declared that it would freeze chicken selling prices and franchise supply prices. At a time when raw material costs such as poultry and frying oil as well as delivery platform commissions have all risen, the company stated that it would absorb the cost increases. Coming amid a trend where chicken price hikes were repeatedly treated as an industry norm, this decision its…