BonChon Arrives in Arlington

BonChon, a Korean fried chicken restaurant and bar, opened Monday in the Shops at Pershing.

Much of the first day's business was carry-out, though the restaurant does seat 85 — plus 40 more once outdoor seating permits are obtained from Arlington County — and has a full service bar.

"We had a lady jumping with happiness because she tried BonChon in New York, and she just moved in upstairs — she was so happy that we opened here," said Rene Cordova, general manager. "I think the neighbors have been waiting."

He added: "Our phones have been nonstop since we opened the doors."

BonChon's menu is relatively small — you can choose wings, legs, breast strips or a combination, plus your choice of sauce and side.

Restaurant managers and staff invited family and friends in to try the products and services Friday and Saturday night, a test-run before Monday's opening.

The 3,400-square-foot Arlington location, at 2209 N. Pershing Drive, Suite E, is owned by the same franchisee who owns the BonChon in Centreville.

"A lot of people ask us if we put crack in the chicken," Cordova told Patch as a waitress walked past. The back of her T-shirt asks, "Are you addicted yet?"

BonChon launched in 2002 in Busan, Korea. The first U.S. store opened in 2006 in New Jersey. Cordova said the brand had done very well is Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

The full-service bar includes 12 taps, 22 bottled beers, wines and sangria. Bartender Dash Love also claims to make the best mojito you've ever had.

BonChon in Arlington opens at 11:30 a.m. daily. It closes at 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays. On Fridays and Saturdays, the kitchen closes at midnight; the bar, at 2 a.m.

To contact the restaurant, call 703-528-1011.