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BBQ's newly launched “AI Golden Olive Set” and “AI First-Pitch Set.” / Genesis BBQ Group

Genesis BBQ Group announced on June 10 that it will launch the “AI Golden Olive Set” and “AI First-Pitch Set,” inspired by the menu items actually enjoyed by Jensen Huang and his Korean partners. The limited-time sets will be available exclusively through the BBQ mobile app for two weeks.

The promotion follows the surge of public interest generated by Huang's recent visit to South Korea. On June 5, after attending a dinner near Hongdae in Seoul, Huang visited BBQ's Hongdae branch, where he enjoyed the chain's signature Golden Olive Chicken along with the lemon-flavored beverage Lemon Boy.

According to BBQ, the restaurant subsequently attracted increased attention as a "K-chicken pilgrimage site," with sales at the Hongdae branch rising more than 20% compared with the same period a week earlier.

Huang's enthusiasm for Korean fried chicken also drew attention at a professional baseball game on June 7 at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Before throwing the ceremonial first pitch, he reportedly remarked, “Nothing is better than chicken and beer.” On the same day, he placed a group order of 113 boxes of BBQ's Crunchy Boneless Cracker Chicken, and television broadcasts later showed him eating the menu item during the game.

As images and videos spread across social media and online communities, many consumers expressed interest in trying the same menu items. BBQ responded by creating the themed promotional sets.

The AI Golden Olive Set includes complimentary French fries and two Lemon Boy drinks with an order of Golden Olive Chicken. The AI First-Pitch Set includes two cream cheese balls and two Lemon Boy drinks with the purchase of Crunchy Boneless Cracker Chicken. The company said the promotion allows customers to experience the exact menu combinations that became popular online without paying extra.

Golden Olive Chicken, BBQ's flagship menu item, celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and has surpassed 500 million cumulative servings sold.

BBQ also plans to expand offline promotional events centered around its Hongdae branch in conjunction with the limited-time release.

A company spokesperson said that strong consumer interest in the menu choices shared by the “AI emperor” and his Korean partners prompted the campaign, adding that BBQ will continue to develop marketing initiatives that connect its mobile app and physical stores while strengthening its position as a leading K-chicken brand.

                                                                                                         Lee Chang-yeon