From Global Summits to Company Cafeterias: The Rise of “Chicken and Beer” Cuisine
A culinary trend, once reserved for high-stakes international diplomacy, is now gracing the lunch trays of employees across the nation. Hyundai Green Food, a division of the Hyundai Department Store Group, has announced a significant initiative to bring the popular “chicken and beer” experience, famously associated with global leaders at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, directly into the company cafeterias of its affiliated businesses. This move signifies a growing emphasis on elevating the quality and appeal of corporate dining.
Starting from the 15th to the 24th of this month, over 110 group meal service locations managed by Hyundai Green Food will begin offering the “AI Kkanbu Collabo Set.” This specially curated menu is a single-serving adaptation of the well-known “AI Kkanbu Set” found at Kkanbu Chicken establishments. The set is designed to provide a satisfying and diverse meal, featuring two pieces of the signature “Crispy Six Pack” made with drumsticks and wings, two pieces of crispy boneless chicken, two cheese sticks, and a refreshing beverage.
To ensure an authentic taste experience that mirrors the original Kkanbu Chicken offerings, Hyundai Green Food has invested considerable effort. Their culinary staff underwent intensive training at Kkanbu Chicken’s headquarters, learning the proprietary recipes directly from the source. Furthermore, the company has committed to sourcing the exact same ingredients used by Kkanbu Chicken outlets, guaranteeing that employees can enjoy a taste that is virtually indistinguishable from the popular restaurant.
Beyond the immediate appeal of the menu, this initiative also carries a charitable component. Hyundai Green Food has pledged to donate five percent of the cost of ingredients purchased for the “AI Kkanbu Collabo Set” to “Good Neighbors,” an organization dedicated to supporting children who lack access to regular meals. This adds a layer of social responsibility to the corporate dining experience.
The Competitive Landscape of Corporate Dining
The introduction of the “AI Kkanbu Collabo Set” is indicative of a broader trend within the corporate food service industry. Companies like Hyundai Green Food are facing increasing pressure to deliver “new menus rivaling restaurant quality.” This heightened competition is driven by several factors. Firstly, as the cost of dining out continues to climb due to rising food prices, employees have become more discerning about the quality and value offered in their company cafeterias. What was once a simple meal service is now being scrutinized against external dining options.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, group meals are increasingly being recognized as a crucial component of a company’s employee welfare benefits package. A high-quality and appealing dining experience can contribute significantly to employee satisfaction, morale, and overall productivity. Therefore, investing in innovative and desirable menu options is no longer just about sustenance but about fostering a positive work environment.
This strategic shift is evident in the practices of other major players in the corporate dining sector. OurHome, for instance, operates “Flex Table,” a program that engages in seasonal collaborations with popular restaurant brands. An example of this is their “Beef Pepper Stir-Fried Noodles” offering, a partnership with Otoki that was available in September.
Samsung Welstory is another prominent example, actively forging partnerships with a diverse range of culinary establishments to bring global flavors to its cafeteria clients. Their collaborations include well-known brands such as Buldak Ramen, Singaporean local eateries, the popular Chinese hot pot chain Haidilao, and the renowned Japanese ramen specialist Ichiran Ramen. These partnerships aim to provide employees with an exciting and varied culinary journey, bringing authentic international tastes directly to their workplaces.
Hyundai Green Food itself has a history of successful collaborations that demonstrate their commitment to this evolving dining landscape. Prior to the “AI Kkanbu Collabo Set,” the company partnered with “Manseok Dakgangjeong,” a celebrated chicken dish restaurant based in Sokcho, Gangwon Province. They also joined forces with “Myeongrang Hotdog,” a specialty hotdog shop. Furthermore, Hyundai Green Food actively features menus from its own in-house restaurant brands, including “Bong Sushi” and “Italli,” showcasing their internal culinary expertise and brand diversity. This consistent effort to innovate and partner with popular food providers underscores the growing importance of high-quality, restaurant-grade dining experiences within the corporate sphere.
