Queens

What Queens does

Queens (Queens SF LLC) is a San Francisco-based artisan food company that produces and sells traditional Korean fermented foods and pantry staples directly to consumers through a Shopify-powered e-commerce storefront. The core product portfolio centers on lacto-fermented Baechu Kimchi (15oz at $14 and 28oz at $23), Queens Dwenjang (fermented soybean paste, $9.50–$14), Queens Gochujang (fermented red chili paste with jujubes, aged 90 days, $14), and Queens Gochugaru (dried Korean red chili flakes, $23). A distinguishing technical element is the use of traditional Korean Hong Gochu peppers grown locally by Longer Table Farm in Sebastopol, California — claimed as the first gochugaru in Northern California made from locally grown Korean peppers. The company also resells Fritz Coffee blends from Seoul and offers branded merchandise and gift cards, including a Queens x Kelsey Fairhurst Fork collaboration.

Production is small-batch and weekly, executed at the company's 3674 18th Street facility in San Francisco's Mission District, which also serves as a local pickup point. Queens sources ingredients from a network of seven Northern California farm and producer partners — Fiddlers Green Farm, Solano Mushroom Farm, Front Porch Farm, Longer Table Farm, Full Belly Farm, Star Route Farms, and Four Star Seafood & Provisions — supporting a sustainability and provenance narrative built around reduced import footprint.

The revenue model combines one-time DTC product sales with a recurring subscription product, the Queens Jang Club, which delivers Gochujang and Dwenjang on monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly schedules at a discounted price via Recharge Payments. Marketing is content-led and partnership-driven rather than paid: an extensive recipe blog and an ongoing program of chef and restaurant collaborations (Sqirl, Octavia, Snail Bar, Scribe Winery, Bell's, Lovely's Burgers, MMClay, Meals Clothing, Loquat Bakery, Rose Los Angeles) function as the primary brand-building engine. The company is privately held, has not raised external funding, has no disclosed institutional investors or parent company, and operates from a single California-based legal entity.

Name

Queens

Legal name

Queens SF LLC

Website

https://queens-universe.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Queens (Queens SF LLC) is a San Francisco-based DTC artisan food company that produces small-batch traditional Korean fermented foods — kimchi, dwenjang, gochujang, and gochugaru — sourced from seven Northern California farm partners and sold online via Shopify with a subscription tier.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Artisanal Korean Fermented Foods

NAICS

Other Specialty Food Retailers (44529)

SIC

Canned, Frozen & Preservd Fruit, Veg & Food Specialties (2030), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Fermented & Specialty Condiments Manufacturing (Kimchi Base, Gochujang, Miso-Based Sauces) (AFAKADAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Wet Seasonings & Pastes (Curry Pastes, Harissa, Gochujang, Spice Pastes) (AFAJANAI)

Keywords

• Fermented Korean foods
• Traditional kimchi products
• Korean pantry staples
• Artisanal fermented condiments
• Lacto-fermented ingredients

Headquarters

HQ city

San Francisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: One-time purchases of pantry and ferment products through e-commerce storefront. Products include kimchi, dwenjang, gochujang, gochugaru, pancake mixes, condiments, and merchandise.
2. Jang Club Subscription: Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly subscription of best-selling Gochujang and Dwenjang at a discounted price. Delivered automatically on customer schedule. Powered by Recharge payments.
3. Digital Gift Cards: Digital gift cards sold in denominations of $50, $100, $150, $200. Redeemable online only.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Queens manufactures and sells traditional Korean fermented foods and pantry staples—including Baechu Kimchi, Dwenjang (fermented soybean paste), Gochujang (fermented red chili paste), and Gochugaru (dried red chili flakes)—made using lacto-fermentation and traditional Korean preparation methods with locally sourced Northern California ingredients. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through a Shopify-powered online storefront with a subscription option (Jang Club) and local pickup at the company's 18th Street San Francisco facility.

Product overview

Queens is a San Francisco-based food company specializing in traditional Korean fermented foods, pantry staples, and condiments. The core product portfolio is organized into three main collections: (1) Pantry and Ferments — featuring traditional Korean preparations including Baechu Kimchi (15oz and 28oz), Queens Dwenjang, Queens Gochujang, and Queens Gochugaru, all made using lacto-fermentation and traditional methods with Northern California-sourced ingredients; (2) Queens Cooking Sets — including the Queens Jang Club subscription (delivering Gochujang and Dwenjang monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly via Recharge Payments); and (3) Gifts — featuring branded merchandise such as the Queens Cap, Fritz Coffee blends from Seoul, and the Queens Digital Gift Card, plus collaborations like the Queens x Kelsey Fairhurst Fork. The company operates the Queens Jang Club as a recurring subscription product, sells directly via a Shopify-powered e-commerce store, and offers local pickup at their 18th Street San Francisco location.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Baechu Kimchi 15oz Traditional napa cabbage kimchi made using additive-free hand-harvested sea salt from Korea, Myulchi Yooksu (anchovy-dashima broth), and locally sourced seasonal fruits and vegetables. Each batch is freshly made weekly. Chopped, 15oz.
• Queens Baechu Kimchi 28oz Whole napa cabbage kimchi in a larger 28oz (784g) format, prepared using traditional Korean methods with hand-harvested Korean sea salt, anchovy broth, and locally sourced produce.
• Queens Dwenjang Traditional Korean fermented soybean paste made with lacto-fermented organic soybeans (meju), malt powder, sweet rice, and sea salt. Ferments undisturbed over several months for a dense, chunky, salty, savory, funky paste. 10oz (280g).
• Queens Gochugaru Freshly ground Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru) made from organic traditional Korean Hong Gochu peppers grown locally by Longer Table Farm in Sebastopol, California. 4oz (118g).
• Queens Gochujang Traditional fermented Korean red chili paste made with dried Korean Hong Gochu chili peppers, lacto-fermented soybeans, sea salt, and peak-season hand-picked dried jujubes that lend sweet caramel-like flavor. Ferments for 90 days.
• Queens Jang Club Subscription Monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly subscription delivering the best-selling Queens Gochujang and Dwenjang at a discounted price. Customizable delivery frequency (every 30, 60, or 90 days). Can be paused, edited, or canceled anytime. Powered by Recharge Payments.
• Queens Jangajji Traditional Korean relish of pickled vegetables, sold in 9oz (252g) jars as part of Queens' pantry and ferments collection.
• Queens Buchim Garu Pancake Mix Ready-to-use gluten-free savory Korean pancake (buchim garu) mix in a 32oz (900g) bag, pre-seasoned for home cooking.
• Fritz Coffee 200g Blends (from Seoul) Seoul-based specialty coffee blends from Fritz Coffee in 200g bags. Available varieties include Seoul Cinema (Costa Rica + Ethiopia), Old Dog (India + Costa Rica + El Salvador), Everything Good (Guatemala + Costa Rica + India + Ethiopia), Decaffeinated, and Fritz Bright. Direct trade coffee.
• Queens Digital Gift Card Digital gift card redeemable on the Queens online store only, available in $50, $100, $150, and $200 denominations or custom amounts.
• Queens Cap (White/Orange) 100% cotton stonewashed cap with sliding buckle, white/orange colorway. Front features 'Queens' logo embroidery; back features 'The best kimchi in the universe' embroidery.
• Queens x Kelsey Fairhurst Fork Eco-friendly portable fork made from BPA-free acrylic remnants with a slip-off silicone sleeve for travel protection. Made in New York by Kelsey Fairhurst. Inscription reads 'QUEENS CREATOR OF FRIENDLY FERMENTS'. Available in yellow/brown, pink/light pink, and transparent/beige colorways.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Lovely's BurgersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Restaurant collaboration featuring Kimchi Bacon Burger in San Francisco, California.
• MMClayminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Limited edition Napa Cabbage Kimchi Imprint Soup Bowl collaboration in 2025.
• Scribe WineryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Harvest Feast Dinner at the Hacienda collaboration in Sonoma, California. Also had Chefs-in-Residence at the Hacienda in 2023.
• Bell'sminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Dinner collaboration at Bell's in Los Alamos, California.
• Priedite BBQminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Lunch at Bodega collaboration in 2024.
• SUPERPANminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Dinner collaboration at SUPERPAN in Seoul, South Korea.
• Meals ClothingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Gochugaru Red Work Shirt & Chef Pant collaboration in 2024.
• SqirlminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Multiple collaborations including Lunch at Sqirl in Los Angeles, Yeon Gyeoja: Hot Mustard Paste in San Francisco, and Saving the Best for Later clothing collaboration.
• Loquat BakeryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Collaborative Blenheim Apricot & Gochugaru Jam in San Francisco, California.
• Rose Los AngelesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Seasonal 'Delight' Edibles collaboration featuring Hallabong Chrysanthemum in 2023.
• OctaviaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Dinner collaboration at Octavia in 2022.
• Snail BarminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Dinner collaboration at Snail Bar in Oakland, California.
• ValleyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2021Dinner collaboration at Valley in 2021.
• Fiddlers Green FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthern California farm partner located in Brooks, California. One of the best farmers and producers Queens works with for sourcing ingredients sustainably.
• Solano Mushroom FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm partner located in Esparto, California. Provides mushrooms for Queens' ingredient sourcing.
• Front Porch FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm partner located in Healdsburg, California. One of the best producers Queens works with.
• Longer Table FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm partner in Sebastopol, California. Grows organic, traditional Korean Hong Gochu peppers for Queens' gochugaru - the first in Northern California to grow traditional Korean peppers locally.
• Full Belly FarmcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm partner located in Guinda, California. Provides produce for Queens' products.
• Star Route FarmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm partner located in Bolinas, California. One of the best farms Queens sources from.
• Four Star Seafood & ProvisionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeafood provider based in San Francisco, California. Supplies high-quality dried seafood for Queens' traditional Korean preparations.
• Fritz CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSeoul-based iconic coffee brand and roaster specializing in direct trade coffee. Queens sells Fritz Coffee products including Seoul Cinema, Old Dog, Everything Good blends, and Fritz Bright. Estimated 7-10 day fulfillment time from Korea.
• Kelsey FairhurstminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew York-based maker of Queens portable fork. Product made from BPA-free acrylic remnants with silicone sleeve. Features inscription 'Queens - Creator of Friendly Ferments'.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Fly By Jing: Premium DTC Asian pantry brand built around Sichuan-inspired fermented chili products (Sichuan Chili Crisp). Closely comparable to Queens in DTC model, premium pricing, content-driven marketing, and focus on a single hero fermented condiment category.
• Omsom: DTC Asian pantry brand selling meal kits and sauces inspired by Korean, Vietnamese, and Filipino cuisines. Comparable to Queens in DTC-first Asian pantry model, content-driven marketing, and target consumer (foodie diaspora).
• Diaspora Co. Single-origin spice and pantry brand with strong sourcing-story branding and DTC distribution. Comparable to Queens in supply-chain traceability narrative, premium pricing, and DTC e-commerce model.
• Mother In Law's Kimchi: Established DTC and retail Korean kimchi brand. Comparable to Queens in core product (kimchi), artisanal positioning, and direct-to-consumer plus grocery distribution — a relevant direct competitor in the traditional kimchi niche.
• South River Miso: Artisanal traditional miso (and related koji-based ferments) producer. Comparable to Queens in long-cycle traditional fermentation, small-batch craft positioning, and direct-to-consumer specialty food distribution.
• Wildbrine: Brine-fermented foods producer (sauerkraut, kimchi, condiments) sold DTC and through retail. Comparable to Queens in live-cultured fermentation, kimchi product, and DTC-plus-retail channel strategy.
• Graza: Premium DTC pantry brand built around a single hero ingredient category (olive oil) with content-driven marketing and DTC e-commerce. Comparable to Queens in single-category brand focus, premium pricing, and chef/restaurant collaborations.

Regional players

• Sonoma Brinery: Sonoma-based artisanal producer of fermented vegetables and sauerkrauts. Comparable to Queens in small-batch fermentation craft and Northern California production base, with some product overlap in fermented vegetables.

Broad incumbents

• Momofuku Goods: Restaurant-operator-led pantry brand with chili crunch, sauces, and noodles. Comparable to Queens in Asian-inspired pantry category, premium positioning, and DTC distribution, but with significantly broader catalog and capital.

Emerging players

• Yellowbird Foods: DTC condiment brand focused on hot sauces and sriracha-style chili products. Comparable to Queens in fermented chili-adjacent condiments, DTC positioning, and chef/restaurant collaboration strategy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/queenssf
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/queensco

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 Queens