From Global Summit to Company Cafeteria: A Taste of APEC’s “Chicken and Beer” Experience
A culinary highlight that captured the attention of global leaders during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit is now making its way into the daily lives of employees. Hyundai Green Food, a subsidiary of the renowned Hyundai Department Store Group, has announced a significant initiative to bring the popular Kkanbu Chicken, famously associated with “chicken and beer meetings” among international CEOs at the summit, to over 110 corporate dining locations across the nation. This move signifies a growing trend in corporate catering, where the quality and appeal of in-house meals are increasingly being elevated to rival those of external restaurants.
The special offering, dubbed the ‘AI Kkanbu Collabo Set,’ is scheduled to be available from the 15th to the 24th of this month. This set has been thoughtfully adapted from Kkanbu Chicken’s original ‘AI Kkanbu Set,’ which is a popular choice at their standalone outlets. The company cafeteria version has been specifically portioned for individual servings within the group meal service. Each set includes a carefully curated selection: two pieces of the signature ‘Crispy Six Pack,’ featuring succulent drumsticks and wings, alongside two pieces of their delectable crispy boneless chicken. To round out the meal, the set is complemented by two cheese sticks and a refreshing beverage, offering a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Hyundai Green Food has emphasized its commitment to authenticity and quality in this collaboration. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We dispatched our cooking staff to Kkanbu Chicken’s headquarters to learn the recipes directly and purchased the same ingredients as the outlets to replicate the same taste.” This dedication ensures that employees can enjoy a flavor profile that is as close as possible to the original Kkanbu Chicken experience. Furthermore, in a heartwarming gesture of corporate social responsibility, five percent of the cost of ingredients purchased for this special menu will be donated to the organization Good Neighbors, supporting children who face meal insecurities.
The Rise of Restaurant-Quality Cafeterias
The recent surge in culinary collaborations within corporate cafeterias is not merely a fleeting trend; it reflects a dynamic shift in the landscape of employee benefits and consumer expectations. As the cost of dining out continues to escalate due to rising food prices, employees are becoming increasingly discerning about the quality and value offered by their company’s meal services. Consequently, group meals are no longer just a functional necessity but are now recognized as a crucial component of a company’s welfare package, playing a vital role in employee satisfaction and retention.
This competitive environment has spurred major group meal providers to innovate and offer menus that can genuinely stand toe-to-toe with popular restaurants.
OurHome’s “Flex Table” Initiative: This program focuses on dynamic, seasonal collaborations with well-established restaurant brands. A notable example includes the ‘Beef Pepper Stir-Fried Noodles’ offering, a partnership with Otoki that was available in September, bringing a taste of popular restaurant fare directly to employees.
Samsung Welstory’s Global Gastronomy: Samsung Welstory is actively bringing a world of flavors to its cafeterias. Their partnerships are diverse, ranging from the fiery appeal of Buldak Ramen to authentic Singaporean local eateries, the rich broths of Chinese Haidilao, and the renowned noodles of Japanese Ichiran Ramen. This strategy aims to provide employees with a varied and exciting culinary journey without ever leaving the workplace.
Hyundai Green Food’s Previous Successes: This is not Hyundai Green Food’s first foray into high-profile collaborations. The company has previously partnered with ‘Manseok Dakgangjeong,’ a celebrated chicken dish restaurant located in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, and ‘Myeongrang Hotdog,’ a popular hotdog specialty shop. Additionally, they have consistently featured beloved menus from their own in-house restaurant brands, including ‘Bong Sushi’ and ‘Italli,’ demonstrating a broad spectrum of culinary expertise and a commitment to offering diverse and appealing options.
