Pelicana
Pelicana is a privately-held South Korean fried chicken franchise founded in 1982, operating 1,042 domestic stores and master franchise locations across 7+ countries, built around its original seasoned chicken recipe and a centralized sauce manufacturing and distribution network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersGuangzhou, China
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Pelicana does
Pelicana (주식회사 페리카나, founded 1982 in Daejeon, headquartered in Gyeryong, South Korea) is a privately-held Korean fried chicken franchise company that originated the seasoned chicken (양념치킨) category in the 1980s using a proprietary recipe incorporating 20+ fresh ingredients. The company operates a franchise-led model with approximately 1,042 domestic stores across South Korea's 17 administrative regions, supported by 10 nationwide branch offices that provide daily direct logistics of fresh ingredients and a centralized sauce manufacturing facility in Gyeryong. Pelicana's product portfolio spans fried, seasoned, soy-sauce, spicy, and innovative chicken varieties (including the 2026 Chipolic line) plus a broadening side-menu offering, with 100% Korean domestically sourced poultry.
Revenue is generated through a mix of franchise fees and royalties (3M KRW entry fee, currently promotional; 500K KRW contract performance bond), recurring ingredient and supply sales to franchisees under a 6-category mandatory ordering system, direct consumer sales via delivery aggregators (Baemin, Yogiyo, KakaoTalk Ordering), and mobile/physical e-coupon (상품권) gift certificate sales through third-party platforms including Naver, KakaoTalk Gift, Lotte, and Hyundai H&Mall. The startup cost for a standard 15-pyeong store is approximately 51.9M KRW, with up to 10M KRW in startup support. Pelicana also operates wholly-owned and jointly-controlled subsidiaries for US operations (Pelicana USA Inc., est. 1992), China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Brunei, alongside vertically-integrated entities for poultry farming, sauce manufacturing, and trading. Average franchisee tenure of 18.7 years and a 0% forced closure rate over the past 5 years indicate strong franchisee economics, though specific corporate-level revenue is not publicly disclosed.
Pelicana firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pelicana
- Legal name
- 주식회사 페리카나
- Website
- https://pelicana.co.kr
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Pelicana is a privately-held South Korean fried chicken franchise founded in 1982, operating 1,042 domestic stores and master franchise locations across 7+ countries, built around its original seasoned chicken recipe and a centralized sauce manufacturing and distribution network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pelicana industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Fried Chicken Restaurant Franchise
- NAICS
- Poultry Processing (311615), Broilers and Other Meat Type Chicken Production (112320), Poultry and Poultry Product Merchant Wholesalers (42444)
- SIC
- Poultry Slaughtering And Processing (2015)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Poultry Shops (CRAHAHAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Integrated Poultry Operations (Vertically Integrated Farms) (AFAEADAI), Poultry Wholesale (Whole Birds, Parts) (AFAIADAC)
Keywords
Where Pelicana is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Guangzhou
- HQ country
- China
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices11 records
Markets served
Pelicana business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Franchise Fee and Royalties: Pelicana charges an initial franchise fee (waived up to 3 million KRW on promotional basis) and ongoing royalties from franchisees. Franchise fee is 3 million KRW with contract performance bond of 500,000 KRW.
- Ingredient and Supply Sales: Centralized sauce manufacturing and direct logistics system supply franchisees with proprietary ingredients, contributing to recurring revenue. Must-order items (6 essential categories) are supplied through the franchise headquarters.
- Direct Consumer Sales (Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in): Revenue from end-consumer purchases of fried chicken and side menu items at franchisee stores. Consumers order via delivery (Baemin, Yogiyo), takeout, or dine-in. Store-level sales flow primarily to franchisees with franchise fee/royalty contributions back to headquarters.
- Mobile E-Coupon (상품권): Sale of prepaid gift certificates (e-coupons and physical chicken exchange vouchers) through third-party platforms (Naver, Auction, Gmarket, Lotte, Hyundai H&Mall, KakaoTalk Gift) and directly via the Pelicana homepage. Vouchers valid for 2 years from issue date.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Franchise startup cost (15-pyeong/standard store): approximately 51.9 million KRW |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Startup support: up to 10 million KRW for new franchises |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Delivery discount promotions with Baemin/Yogiyo |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Chicken exchange voucher (상품권): approximately 15,000–16,000 KRW per voucher |
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Pelicana product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pelicana is a South Korean fried chicken franchise company that operates and licenses its signature seasoned chicken (양념치킨) brand through a network of more than 1,042 domestic franchise stores and international master franchise partners in 7+ countries. It sells fried chicken, side dishes, e-coupons, and franchise business packages, while centrally manufacturing its proprietary sauce and supplying ingredients to franchisees through 10 nationwide logistics branches.
Product overview
Pelicana is Korea's leading fried chicken franchise offering a diversified portfolio centered on its signature seasoned chicken (양념치킨), first created in 1982, alongside original fried chicken, soy sauce chicken, spicy variants, and new innovations like the 2026 Chipolic Chicken line. The company operates as both a restaurant chain and a food service brand, providing dine-in, delivery, and takeout services through over 1,200 domestic stores and international locations across 7 countries. Beyond its core chicken products, Pelicana offers side dishes (Potato Cheese Stick, Seasoned Fried Rice Ball), e-coupons, physical exchange vouchers, and a franchise program. The product ecosystem integrates third-party delivery platforms (Baemin, Yogiyo), mobile gift certificates, and online ordering, creating a multi-channel food service platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Chicken Menu (치킨류) Pelicana's flagship fried chicken menu offered in multiple preparations including original, seasoned (yangnyeom), spicy seasoned, garlic, soy sauce, hot chili, Chipolic, and White Deep Chipolic varieties, served to consumers at dine-in, takeout, and delivery channels.
- Side Menu (사이드) Side dishes accompanying chicken orders including Potato Cheese Stick, Seasoned Fried Rice Ball, Churros Cheese Ball, Peri Cheese Ball, fried chicken gizzards (꼬들목), seasoned chicken feet, spicy rice cakes, and other add-ons available à la carte at Pelicana stores.
- Delivery Order Service (배달주문) Online delivery ordering service enabling consumers to order fresh fried chicken for home delivery via pelicana.co.kr and integrated third-party delivery platforms (Baemin, Yogiyo).
- Takeout Order Service (포장주문) In-store pickup ordering service allowing customers to place orders online and collect their fried chicken and sides at preferred Pelicana store locations.
- E-Coupon / Mobile Gift Certificate (E쿠폰) Digital gift certificate purchased through Smartcon and online marketplaces (Naver, Auction, G9, 11st, SSG, Interpark, AKmall, Lotte.com, Hyundai H&Mall, KakaoTalk Gift), delivered as mobile coupons with 12-digit codes, redeemable for chicken at any Pelicana store.
- Chicken Exchange Voucher (치킨교환권) Physical gift voucher redeemable at any Pelicana store nationwide for approximately 15,000-16,000 KRW worth of chicken (including sides), valid for 2 years from issue date.
- Franchise Business Program (창업/가맹) Franchise opportunity offering prospective operators a standardized store package (~51.9 million KRW startup), up to 10 million KRW in startup support (franchise fee waiver + activation support), direct logistics from 10 regional offices, interior design support, operating training, and access to NH Nonghyup Bank franchise financing up to 200 million KRW.
Quantifiable outcome
- 0% forced closure rate over past 5 years — no franchisee forced closure against franchisee will
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Pelicana
Customer profileSegments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pelicana technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature3 records
Pelicana partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Thailand Master Franchise PartnercoreMaster franchise partner for Thailand market. Pelicana Thailand 1st store opened January 7, 2025, marking entry into the 7th overseas country.
- HanKKi TongSal (한끼통살)minorProduct collaboration releasing a chicken breast product '통가슴살' in June 2024. Limited-time co-branded menu item available at Pelicana stores.
- Dunkin' (던킨)minorProduct collaboration releasing a chicken burger product in November 2023. Limited-time co-branded menu combining Dunkin's pastry/brand identity with Pelicana's chicken.
- GS25 (편의점)minorProduct collaboration releasing 5 co-branded items in July 2023, leveraging GS25 convenience store distribution for expanded reach.
- Zepeto (제페토)minorLaunched 'Pelicana Chicken World' virtual space on Zepeto metaverse platform in October 2021, allowing users to experience the brand in a virtual environment.
- China Master Franchise Partners (B&G Catering, Shanghai Peak, Shandong Jinzhao, Beijing Yitong)coreMultiple master franchise partners operating across China: B&G Catering Management in Guangzhou; Shanghai Peak Catering in Shanghai; Shandong Jinzhao Catering in Shandong; Beijing Yitong Innovation in Beijing. China entered November 2013.
- Malaysia Master Franchise — Saga MajumascoreMaster franchise partner in Malaysia: Saga Majumas Co. Ltd, headquartered in Sibu Sarawak. Malaysia entered May 2012. Multiple stores across Malaysia (Sibu, Petaling Jaya, Bintulu, Sabah).
- Pelicana U.S.A. Inc.coreWholly-owned or affiliated subsidiary managing the US market. Established February 1, 1992 in Los Angeles, CA. Operates stores across NY (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Flushing), CA (Irvine), TX (Carrollton), MI (Rochester Hills), GA (Atlanta), VA (Ashburn), NY (Long Island).
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Pelicana competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken): Global fried chicken QSR incumbent operating in Korea. Comparable product category (fried chicken) and delivery/takeout model, but much broader global scale and different brand positioning.
- Bonchon Chicken: Korean-style fried chicken brand with significant US and global footprint, competing in the same Korean chicken category as Pelicana but with stronger US-centric positioning. Comparable product offering with broader incumbent scale.
- Lotteria: Lotte-owned Korean QSR chain offering burgers and chicken. Comparable Korean franchise QSR model and customer demographics, though broader menu positioning than Pelicana.
Direct peers
- Goobne Chicken: Korean oven-roasted chicken franchise positioned as a healthier alternative to fried chicken. Comparable franchise model with overlapping target customer base and franchise economics to Pelicana.
- Mom's Touch: Major Korean QSR franchise specializing in chicken burgers and fried chicken. Closely comparable franchise model, delivery aggregator presence, and customer demographics to Pelicana.
- Nene Chicken: Established Korean fried chicken franchise operating hundreds of domestic stores with presence in international markets. Directly competes with Pelicana on menu, pricing, and delivery channels.
- BHC Chicken: Korean fried chicken franchise (formerly known as BHC) popular for bbq-sauced and seasoned chicken. Closely comparable franchise model, menu positioning, and customer base to Pelicana.
- BBQ Chicken: Korea's largest fried chicken franchise chain (Genesis BBQ) operating thousands of domestic and overseas stores. Directly competes with Pelicana in Korean yangnyeom and fried chicken with similar franchise model and international expansion strategy.
- Kyochon F&B: Major Korean fried chicken franchise known for soy-garlic and honey flavored chickens. Direct head-to-head competitor to Pelicana in domestic Korean QSR market with similar franchise-based international expansion.
Emerging players
- Puradak Chicken: Emerging Korean fried chicken franchise that has grown rapidly in recent years through competitive pricing. Emerging direct competitor to Pelicana in the Korean yangnyeom chicken category with growing store count.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Pelicana social profiles
Digital presencePelicana financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pelicana leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Pelicana subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries11 records
Pelicana funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pelicana M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pelicana
What does Pelicana do?
Pelicana is a South Korean fried chicken franchise company that operates and licenses its signature seasoned chicken (양념치킨) brand through a network of more than 1,042 domestic franchise stores and international master franchise partners in 7+ countries. It sells fried chicken, side dishes, e-coupons, and franchise business packages, while centrally manufacturing its proprietary sauce and supplying ingredients to franchisees through 10 nationwide logistics branches.
Is Pelicana a public or private company?
Pelicana is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pelicana founded?
Pelicana was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pelicana based?
Pelicana is headquartered in Guangzhou, China, in the Asia region.
How does Pelicana make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Franchise Fee and Royalties are the primary driver. The others are ingredient and Supply Sales, direct Consumer Sales (Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in) and mobile E-Coupon (상품권).
Who are Pelicana's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Bonchon Chicken and Lotteria. Direct peers are Goobne Chicken, Mom's Touch, Nene Chicken, BHC Chicken, BBQ Chicken and Kyochon F&B. Puradak Chicken is listed as an emerging player.
Does Pelicana have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pelicana.
What industry is Pelicana in?
Pelicana's product category is Fried Chicken Restaurant Franchise. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAHAHAD, Poultry Shops, with a secondary code of AFAEADAI, Integrated Poultry Operations (Vertically Integrated Farms). Its NAICS code is 311615 and its SIC code is 2015.