“Mall-Adjacent Locations Take Off” — No Brand Burger Doubles Franchise Stores in Mixed-Use Complexes

[Financial News] No Brand Burger is accelerating its expansion into areas near major malls with heavy foot traffic, doubling its franchise locations in large mixed-use complexes such as Emart and Starfield from the previous year.
According to industry sources on the 9th, No Brand Burger, operated by SHINSEGAE FOOD, is stepping up efforts to secure franchise locations by expanding into mixed-use complexes such as Emart and Starfield.
No Brand Burger currently operates 20 franchise stores in mixed-use complexes, double the previous year’s figure. The share of mixed-use-complex stores among all locations has also risen from 4% to 7%.
The increase reflects growing interest in business locations that can generate stable sales amid high prices and a prolonged economic slowdown. Analysts say franchise owners favor these sites because they allow customers to shop, enjoy leisure activities and dine in one place.
The Starfield Market Wolgye location, which recently opened in Nowon District, Seoul, has attracted large crowds since opening and recorded the highest sales among all stores.
The compact store model, designed for low-capital startups, is also driving expansion into mixed-use complexes. Compact stores are small-format locations of approximately 45 square meters (15 pyeong) that reduce the initial investment burden while optimizing cooking flow and space utilization. Because they can operate efficiently even in the limited space available in mixed-use complexes, compact stores now account for 60% of the stores located in such facilities.
A SHINSEGAE FOOD official said, “Franchise owners are showing growing interest in stores in mixed-use complexes, where they can secure steady foot traffic regardless of the weather.” The official added, “We will continue strengthening a shared-growth model in which franchisees and headquarters grow together by providing startup models tailored to the characteristics of various commercial areas, along with operational support.”


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