What Mom's Touch does

Mom's Touch is a South Korean quick-service restaurant chain operating as a multi-category food platform centered on chicken burgers, boneless fried chicken, and Korean-Japanese fusion items. The brand originated with its first store in 1997 and was formally incorporated in 2004 as Hi-Maru Food Services (renamed Mom's Touch & Co. in 2021). It has grown into Korea's largest burger chain by store count with approximately 1,510 domestic stores as of April 2026, anchored by the signature Cybergar chicken burger launched in 2005, which has achieved over 500 million cumulative units sold globally. The company is wholly owned by private equity firm KL & Partners following a complete buyout between 2019-2022, and KL & Partners is currently exploring a sale at a target corporate value of approximately 1 trillion KRW. FY2025 EBITDA was approximately 102 billion KRW, up more than 20% year-on-year.

The business runs a hybrid go-to-market model combining directly-operated flagship stores in premium urban locations (Shibuya, Harajuku, Shimokitazawa) with a franchise network targeting suburban residential and commercial zones. Core operational differentiation comes from a handmade cooking system where chicken is battered and fried in-store after order placement, and from an industry-first conveyor belt kitchen system that has reduced customer wait times by 55% relative to popup operations. Revenue is generated through three streams: direct store sales (transaction-based, with the Shibuya flagship achieving ¥100M opening day and ¥1B in 40 days), franchise royalties and fees (with an average reported payback of 4.3 years), and third-party delivery commissions via Uber Eats and Rocket Now, the latter holding delivery pricing at parity with in-store pricing. International expansion uses a master franchise model across Japan, USA, Thailand, Mongolia, Laos, and Uzbekistan, with Japan being the primary current focus following the appointment of former Pizza Hut Japan CEO Nakamura Shoichi as president of MOM'S TOUCH JAPAN in April 2026.

The brand pursues a K-culture-aligned marketing strategy anchored by LE SSERAFIM brand ambassador partnership since August 2024, experiential retail elements (AI photo booths, gacha promotions, photo keyring campaigns), and digital franchise recruitment via the FC Inbound Platform launched April 2026. Customer segments span Z-generation urban consumers (Harajuku, Shimokitazawa), suburban families and workers (Chigasaki, Akitsu), delivery-app users, and franchise investors/operators (both corporate multi-unit operators and individual entrepreneurs). Menu pricing in Japan ranges from approximately ¥200 for morning items to ¥2,730 for premium sets. The company has been recognized with multiple Korean industry awards including a Presidential Award at the 2015 Korea Franchise Business Awards and grand prizes at the National Brand Awards.

Name

Mom's Touch

Legal name

Mom's Touch & Co.

Website

https://momstouch.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Mom's Touch is Korea's largest burger chain operating ~1,510 stores domestically plus expanding franchises in Japan and the US. The QSR platform earns revenue from direct sales, franchise royalties, and delivery commissions, anchored by its signature Cybergar chicken burger.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)

NAICS

Bakeries and Tortilla Manufacturing (3118)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Burger QSR (THAFAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Chicken & Wings QSR (THAFAAAC)

Keywords

• Quick service restaurant
• Chicken burger chain
• Korean fast food
• Franchise restaurant
• Korean fusion cuisine

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Direct Store Sales: Company-owned flagship stores generate revenue through counter sales, takeaway, and delivery. Shibuya store achieved 100M JPY on opening day, monthly sales approaching 30M JPY.
2. Franchise Royalties and Fees: Franchisees pay initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties. Japan targets 30 franchise contracts with support packages including opening support and marketing assistance. Average investment payback of 4.3 years reported.
3. Delivery Commission Revenue: Orders through Uber Eats and Rocket Now generate platform commissions. Delivery partnerships extend geographic reach without company-operated logistics.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Mom's Touch is a Korean Quick Service Restaurant chain selling freshly prepared chicken burgers, boneless fried chicken, and pizza through company-owned flagship stores and franchised locations. Its signature product is the Cybergar chicken thigh burger, with over 500 million cumulative units sold since 2005, complemented by Cheese Cybergar variants, Yangnyeom and garlic soy boneless chicken, and a Korean-Japanese fusion pizza series. The company operates over 1,510 stores in Korea and is expanding through franchising in Japan and other international markets.

Product overview

Mom's Touch is a Korean QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) brand operating a multi-category food platform centered on chicken burgers, boneless chicken, and pizza. The core product is the signature Cybergar (チキンバーガー), a whole thigh chicken patty burger launched in 2005 with over 500 million cumulative sales. The product portfolio includes the Cybergar series (Cheese Cybergar, BBQ Cybergar, Honey Garlic Cybergar, Buldak Sauce Cybergar), boneless chicken products (Fried, Yangnyeom, Garlic Soy, Spicy Cheese Yangnyeom), the Mom's Pizza series (Sai Pizza, Teriyaki Sauce Sai Pizza, Bulgogi Pizza, Sweet Potato Cheese Pizza), Cajun fries, morning menus, and set combos. In 2026, the brand launched 'Choi Mam's' (ちょいマムズ) as a lighter snack sub-brand. The company also operates a franchise recruitment digital platform (FC Inbound Platform).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cybergar (サイバーガー) Signature chicken thigh burger featuring a whole boneless chicken thigh patty, fresh vegetables, and special sauce. The brand's most iconic menu item with over 500 million cumulative sales since 2005, priced at 520 JPY single / 850 JPY set.
• Cheese Cybergar (チーズサイバーガー) Cybergar topped with melted cheese sauce, combining the crispy chicken patty with creamy cheese. Consistently a top-selling menu item in Japan.
• Boneless Chicken (骨なしチキン) Full line of boneless fried chicken including Fried Chicken (500-920 JPY), Yangnyeom Chicken sweet-spicy variant (540-1,000 JPY), Garlic Soy Chicken, and Spicy Cheese Yangnyeom Chicken (580-1,080 JPY). Available in 2, 4, and 8 piece options.
• Mom's Pizza Series (マムズピザ) Pizza series featuring 5 Korean-Japanese fusion varieties including Sai Pizza, Teriyaki Sauce Sai Pizza, Authentic Bulgogi Pizza, Roasted Sweet Potato Cheese Pizza, and The Full Toppings Pizza. Priced at 1,970 JPY for whole pizza, Sai Pizza at 2,100 JPY.
• Cajun Potatoes (ケイジャンポテト) Cajun-seasoned french fries using Louisiana-style secret seasoning on Russet potatoes. One of the best-selling side items with crispy texture and addictive seasoning.
• Morning Menu (モーニングメニュー) Morning-specific menu featuring Korean-style breakfast items including Scrambled Egg Cheese Burger, Scrambled Egg Sausage Burger, Scrambled Egg Bulgogi Burger, Myeongdong Toast, and Korean-style coffee beverages (Americano 220 JPY, Latte 330 JPY). Available 8:00-10:00 daily.
• Set Menu (セットメニュー) Bundled meal deals combining burgers or chicken with sides and drinks. Offerings include Sai-Ko Set (1,300 JPY), Sai-Stroke Set (1,400 JPY), and Sai-Dai Set (2,730 JPY).
• Choi Mam's Sub-Brand (ちょいマムズ) Light snack category featuring smaller-portioned items including Sai Jr Burger (Teriyaki Sai Jr Burger, Oroshi Sai Jr Burger) and Cheese in Chicken Stick (400 JPY). Targets snack-time and casual dining occasions.
• Frozen Drinks Lineup (フローズン) Frozen beverage lineup including Strawberry Lemon Frozen, Melon Frozen, and Mixed Frozen varieties, each priced at 580 JPY. Launched May 2026 at Shibuya and Harajuku locations.
• FC Inbound Platform (FCインバウンドプラットフォーム) Digital platform for franchise recruitment managing the entire process from initial inquiry through franchise contract signing with data-driven lead management, online advertising, digital content, and matching process.

Quantifiable outcome

• 55% reduction in customer wait time vs popup store operations through conveyor belt system
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Nakamura Shoichi (Ex-Pizza Hut Japan CEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAppointed as CEO of Mom's Touch Japan in April 2026 to lead Japan franchise expansion. Brings extensive experience from Pizza Hut Japan leadership (2017-2024) with proven track record of national expansion and data-driven store management. Target of 100 franchise agreements by 2026.
• LE SSERAFIMcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal K-pop girl group serving as brand ambassador since August 2024 (brand 20th anniversary). Drives fan engagement through photo keyring campaigns, limited-edition menus (Saku Saku set), and social media buzz. Partnership leverages K-culture alignment with target Z-generation demographic.
• Kagsan Co., Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapan's first franchise partner. 150+ year history of local community business in Kanagawa. Operates BLiX Chigasaki commercial facility. Opened Mom's Touch BLiX Chigasaki store November 2025 as Japan's first franchise location. Achieved 1M JPY opening day sales.
• Uber EatsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery platform partnership for all Japan stores. Campaign-based promotions offering 30% discounts on selected menu items. Extends geographic reach without company-operated delivery logistics.
• Rocket NowminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDelivery platform with same pricing as in-store ('delivery price same as store'). Addresses consumer concern about delivery premium pricing. Available at all stores.
• Chef Hudeokjuk (K-Brothers Foods)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with renowned Korean chef for limited-time menu items. March 2026 collaboration featured two burgers and one chicken dish integrating traditional Chinese cuisine with QSR offerings.
• Doors Co., Ltd.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIwate-based company (established 2017) with successful Korean BBQ restaurant operations. Signed franchise agreement January 2025 for Japan expansion. Brings local market expertise and Korean cuisine understanding to partnership.
• Mom's Touch Japan FranchiseescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNetwork of franchise partners being developed through FC Inbound Platform. Targets 30 franchise contracts and 10 store openings in 2025. Supports both corporate multi-unit operators and individual entrepreneurs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves14 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• MOS Burger: MOS Burger is Japan's leading domestic burger QSR chain with similar menu positioning (burgers, sides, value sets) and direct competition for the same Japanese consumers Mom's Touch targets. Comparable urban store formats and price points make it the most direct Japanese peer.
• Pelicana Chicken: Pelicana is another major Korean fried chicken franchise chain competing directly with Mom's Touch on boneless chicken and Korean-style chicken menus. Similar QSR positioning, comparable value pricing, and franchise-led growth in the same Korean market.
• BBQ Chicken (Genesis BBQ): Genesis BBQ is one of Korea's largest chicken QSR franchises and a direct competitor to Mom's Touch for fried chicken and Korean-style chicken product occasions. Comparable franchise model, Korea-centric base, and overlapping Z-generation target demographic.
• Lotteria: Lotteria is Korea's heritage burger QSR chain (operated by Lotte Group) and is the most direct domestic competitor to Mom's Touch, competing head-to-head in chicken burgers, fried chicken, and value-priced QSR. Highly comparable business model, target market, and product portfolio.
• Carl's Jr. Japan: Carl's Jr. Japan competes with Mom's Touch in Japan's burger QSR segment, particularly for value-oriented urban consumers. Similar franchise model and direct menu overlap on burgers, chicken, and combo meals.
• BHC Chicken: BHC Chicken is a major Korean chicken QSR brand (bb.q Chicken's parent) competing directly with Mom's Touch in Korea for boneless chicken and chicken burger occasions. Same home market, comparable target demographic, and similar franchise-led growth model.
• KFC Japan: KFC Japan is a leading chicken-focused QSR in Japan and Mom's Touch's primary competitor for fried chicken and chicken burger occasions. Similar value positioning, urban/residential store strategy, and franchise model make KFC a direct peer.
• Burger King Japan: Burger King Japan competes with Mom's Touch for burger QSR occasions in Japan. Similar urban store formats, comparable value menu positioning, and overlapping target demographic (young urban consumers seeking affordable burger meals).

Broad incumbents

• McDonald's Japan: McDonald's Japan is the dominant QSR incumbent in Japan with extensive store coverage, supply chain infrastructure, and brand recognition. Mom's Touch competes for similar consumer occasions (quick burger meals) against McDonald's established Japan presence.

Emerging players

• Shake Shack Japan: Shake Shack is an emerging premium burger QSR in Japan competing for the same urban, brand-conscious consumer segment Mom's Touch targets in Tokyo. Comparable prime-location flagship store strategy and Instagram-driven experiential positioning.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/momstouch_jp
• Instagraminstagram.com/momstouch.jp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/momstouch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Mom's Touch