When we first opened 8 Korean BBQ at The Central in Clarke Quay, we had a simple mission: bring authentic Korean BBQ to Singapore without compromising on health or quality. That was our flagship, our home base, and honestly, our testing ground for everything we believed in. That mission hasn’t wavered — and it’s only grown stronger.

Today, we operate two thriving locations across Singapore, and we want to share how we got here and where we’re heading next.

The Beginning: Our Flagship at The Central, Clarke Quay

The Central location at #02-79/90, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street is our original, directly owned and operated outlet. It’s where everything started — where we perfected our recipes, built our team culture, and committed to a standard we’ve never compromised on: 100% seed oil-free cooking.

This wasn’t a marketing gimmick. It was a deliberate choice rooted in our belief that Korean BBQ should be indulgent, yes, but also clean and honest. Every meal cooked at our griddles uses only premium animal fats and oils — no seed oils, no shortcuts. That philosophy runs through everything we do, from sourcing our ingredients to training our kitchen staff.

The Central became a gathering place for Korean BBQ lovers, corporate groups, and families looking for a memorable dining experience. The energy is electric — the sizzle of premium cuts hitting hot griddles, the conversations flowing over shared plates, the satisfaction of a meal done right. It’s still our heart, and it always will be.

Growing with Confidence: Our First Franchise at The Central, strategically positioned near Bugis MRT, Orchard

In October 2016, we took a big step. We opened our first franchise outlet at The Central, strategically positioned near Bugis MRT, Orchard (#04-20/21, 1 Scotts Road), bringing 8 Korean BBQ to the Orchard corridor for the first time. This was a milestone moment — not just business expansion, but proof that our concept could work beyond our own hands.

Choosing a franchisee was everything. We didn’t just look for someone with capital; we looked for someone who genuinely believed in what we were doing. Someone who understood that opening an 8 Korean BBQ outlet meant upholding standards that matter: the seed oil-free commitment, the menu consistency, the meticulous attention to kitchen hygiene and food quality.

That first franchise partnership has thrived for good reason. Our franchisee at The Central, strategically positioned near Bugis MRT operates under the exact same kitchen standards, food protocols, and menu as The Central. Customers at Orchard get the same premium experience as customers at Clarke Quay. That’s not negotiable.

Why Both Locations Deliver the Same Excellence

One question we often hear: “Is the franchise outlet as good as the original?” The honest answer is yes. Here’s why:

Identical standards, not just identical menus. Every franchisee must meet our kitchen specifications, equipment standards, and ingredient sourcing requirements — built into the franchise agreement.
Ongoing operational support. Our founding team is actively involved in staff training, menu updates, quality audits, and continuous improvement.
The seed oil-free standard is non-negotiable. It’s what we require, across every outlet, every service.
Consistent sourcing. We maintain control over ingredient quality across all outlets, ensuring the same premium cuts and flavours everywhere.

Looking North and West: The Next Chapter

As we reflect on our growth, we’ve noticed something important: there’s a significant gap in quality Korean BBQ across the North and West of Singapore.

Areas like Woodlands, Yishun, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong, Buona Vista, and Clementi are home to thousands of families and working professionals who deserve access to the kind of Korean BBQ we’ve built our reputation on. Right now, they’re underserved. We want to change that.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re not just looking for someone to operate a restaurant. We want partners who share our values:

Genuine F&B passion. You care about food, hospitality, and creating experiences people remember.
Belief in clean eating. You understand why the seed oil-free commitment matters and you’re proud to uphold it.
Willingness to follow a proven system. You’re here to execute excellence — not reinvent the wheel.
Community investment. You want your outlet to be a real gathering place for your neighbourhood.
Business readiness. You understand F&B operations, you’re financially sound, and you’re ready for the real work.

Full Support Every Step of the Way

When you partner with 8 Korean BBQ, you’re not flying solo. We support our franchisees with:

Comprehensive training for kitchen and front-of-house staff
Detailed operational manuals and best practices
Ongoing quality audits and hands-on support
Marketing guidance and brand-aligned promotions

This is a partnership, not a transaction.

Interested? Let’s Talk.

If you’re passionate about F&B, believe in clean eating, and want to run a proven concept with full support from the founding team, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out via the contact form on our website. Tell us about yourself, why you’re interested, and which area of Singapore you want to serve. We’ll take it from there.

The story of 8 Korean BBQ isn’t just about Clarke Quay anymore. It’s about bringing our standards and our love of authentic Korean BBQ to every corner of Singapore — and we want the right partners by our side to make it happen.

Let’s grow together.