GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. has secured retail placement for its ready-to-cook marinated meat products at Smart & Final Stores LLC, a warehouse-style grocery chain operated by Chedraui USA, Inc. This expansion adds to the Company's existing distribution agreement with United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), broadening the retail availability of its consumer packaged goods. The strategic move supports GEN's broader retail expansion strategy and aims to drive long-term growth for its distribution channels.

Smart & Final operates 254 store locations across California, Nevada, and Arizona, serving both household and business customers. The retailer offers quality products in bulk and club-size formats without membership fees, building a loyal base of value-conscious shoppers and foodservice customers across the region. The placement provides GEN with shelf space across Smart & Final's distribution network.

The launch features four SKUs: GEN BBQ Beef Bulgogi, GEN BBQ Beef Short Rib, GEN Spicy Pork Bulgogi, and GEN BBQ Chicken Bulgogi. These products are manufactured using the same recipes and quality standards utilized in GEN's restaurant operations, allowing consumers to replicate the GEN Korean BBQ experience at home.

Strategic Alignment and Growth

David Kim, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GEN, emphasized the strategic fit between the Company and its retail partners. He stated that UNFI's scale and market presence provide a significant opportunity to scale GEN's consumer packaged goods division. The agreement with Smart & Final further diversifies GEN's revenue streams beyond its full-service dining locations.

Company Overview

GEN Restaurant Group owns and operates GEN Korean BBQ, a full-service dining concept with over 50 locations across the United States. The company is actively expanding its brand presence through retail, consumer packaged goods, and experiential channels.