'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'-featured Korean BBQ chain coming to Jersey Shore

Kimberly Redmond//October 16, 2023//

Founded in 2012, Denver-based Dae Gee Korean BBQ is known for fusing traditional Korean food and American culture in an interactive experience where customers can cook their own meat on grill tops at their tables. - DAE GEE

Kimberly Redmond//October 16, 2023//

Listen to this article

Dae Gee Korean BBQ, a Korean barbecue concept featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” is setting its sights on New Jersey.

After signing a development agreement to launch four restaurants, husband-wife team Brian and Carrie Devereux is searching Monmouth and Ocean counties for potential locations, according to the chain.

The couple, who already own and operate Max Devros, a restaurant and bar in Manasquan, said they’re excited to introduce Dae Gee locally, calling New Jersey “an untapped market.”

Founded in 2012, the Denver-based eatery is known for fusing traditional Korean food and American culture in an interactive experience where customers can cook their own meat on grill tops at their tables.

Dae Gee – which was described by Fieri as “off the hook!” during the chain’s 2015 appearance on his long-running food reality TV series – allows guests to select a choice meat, fish or vegetarian option to be marinated in a secret sauce and enjoyed in a bowl, hot stone pot or tucked inside lettuce as a wrap.

The menu also includes several side dishes, including kimchee, broccoli, radish and fish cakes.

With five corporate-owned restaurants in Colorado, Dae Gee is looking to expand nationwide via franchise growth and expects to open between five to 10 restaurants over the next 12 months. Since the company began its franchise program in 2021, Dae Gee has locked down development agreements in Indiana, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas and Mexico.

In commenting on the plans to enter New Jersey, Dae Gee founder Joseph Kim called it “another incredible milestone for the brand.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Brian and Carrie to the Dae Gee family and look forward to opening our first restaurant in New Jersey,” he said.

Brian Devereux also expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Already one of the fastest growing Korean BBQ chains in Colorado, this is certainly a brand that has the right recipe for success, and we can’t wait to bring its exceptional food and interactive dining experience to the Shore.”