GEN Restaurant Group to Distribute Ready-to-Cook Meats via UNFI’s 30,000+ Location Network
GENK•GEN Restaurant Group signed a distribution agreement with United Natural Foods, giving GEN access to UNFI’s wholesale network serving more than 30,000 customer locations. This deal supports GEN’s rollout of ready-to-cook marinated meat products in retail outlets and strengthens its strategy beyond 50 existing Korean BBQ restaurants.
1. Distribution Agreement Details
On June 10, GEN Restaurant Group finalized a deal with United Natural Foods, granting access to UNFI’s extensive wholesale network that serves over 30,000 locations across North America, including supermarkets, independents, e-commerce providers and food service customers.
2. Retail Expansion Strategy
The partnership aligns with GEN’s broader retail expansion strategy, enabling the chain to leverage UNFI’s marketing solutions and digital tools to drive consumer engagement and accelerate the rollout of its consumer packaged goods division.
3. Ready-to-Cook Product Offering
GEN’s ready-to-cook marinated meats, featuring the same recipes and quality standards used in its full-service Korean BBQ restaurants, will be introduced into grocery and specialty stores, offering consumers a convenient at-home dining experience.
4. Growth and Financial Implications
By tapping into UNFI’s distribution capabilities, GEN aims to boost retail revenues, diversify its income streams beyond its 50+ restaurant locations and lay the foundation for sustained growth in its consumer packaged goods segment.
