News Summary
Bonchon, a renowned Korean fried chicken chain, is set to launch its latest restaurant in Gainesville at the former site of Rock N’ Roll Sushi. The closure of Rock N’ Roll Sushi, which faced operational challenges, has opened the door for Bonchon, and the local community is excited about this new dining option. While no official opening date has been announced, Bonchon will join the growing trend of diverse culinary offerings in the area, promising a variety of Korean dishes alongside upcoming establishments like Texas de Brazil.
Gainesville, Florida – Bonchon, a popular restaurant chain known for its Korean fried chicken, is set to open its latest location at the former site of Rock N’ Roll Sushi in Butler North. This announcement comes after the closure of Rock N’ Roll Sushi, which shut its doors on August 17 after approximately two years of operation, marking the second Rock N’ Roll Sushi branch owned by franchisee Jim Dykes to close this year.
The departure of Rock N’ Roll Sushi from its location at 3205 Clark Butler Blvd., Suite 50, was attributed to “thoughtful consideration” amidst operational challenges that hampered sustainability. Dykes also saw the Tioga Town Center franchise cease operations earlier in March. These closures highlight ongoing difficulties within the local restaurant sector.
While Bonchon has not yet publicized an official opening date for their new Gainesville establishment, Butler Enterprises confirmed the announcement of the incoming restaurant via social media on September 2. The news has garnered positive reactions from the local community, with residents expressing excitement about the introduction of Bonchon to the area.
Bonchon is part of a larger chain that operates numerous locations within the United States and internationally. The restaurant has establishments across various countries, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and France. In Florida, Bonchon currently has locations in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami, catering to a growing demand for Korean cuisine.
Bonchon’s signature offering is its Korean fried chicken, which can be customized with a selection of sauces, including soy garlic, spicy, and Korean barbecue. In addition to chicken, the menu features a variety of other items such as bulgogi fries, potstickers, bao buns, Korean tacos, and house fried rice, providing a diverse range of options for diners.
The community’s enthusiasm for Bonchon follows a trend of new dining options in the area. Along with Bonchon, Texas de Brazil, an upscale Brazilian steakhouse, is planned to open at Butler Town Center at Stengel Field in the summer of 2026. The Texas de Brazil establishment will offer an all-you-can-eat dining experience, featuring various meats roasted on spits over hot coals or an open fire. Signature cuts will include top sirloin, flank steak, and filet mignon, catering to meat lovers in the region.
Price points at Texas de Brazil are notably upscale, with dinner at their Orlando location priced at $63.99 for adults, while the salad bar option is available for $33.99. Lunch options begin at $42.99, making the venue a potentially high-end dining destination in the Butler Town Center.
Texas de Brazil also expands its footprint in Florida, with current locations in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Palm Beach Gardens, and several establishments in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami area, enhancing the options for diners seeking international cuisine within the state. The chain has also reached global markets, with locations in Aruba, Panama, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
The anticipated arrival of Bonchon in Gainesville highlights a growing interest in diverse culinary experiences in the area. Local residents will soon have the opportunity to enjoy Korean flavors alongside a variety of other dining establishments, reflecting the dynamic nature of the local dining scene.
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Additional Resources
- Gainesville.com: Bonchon and Texas de Brazil Coming to Gainesville
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- Wikipedia: Food and beverage industry
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
