Bonchon planned for Beacon of Groveton retail space

The Beacon of Groveton, a mixed-use development on Richmond Highway, opened in 2012.

Bonchon, a Korean fried chicken restaurant chain, is planning on opening a location in the Beacon of Groveton.

The restaurant will be located in the street-level retail space at the Beacon, which is located at 6870 Richmond Highway.

A representative for Bonchon confirmed that the chain is opening a restaurant at the Beacon, but said construction is still in its early stages and could not give an estimate of when it will be completed.

Bonchon has three other locations in Fairfax County, as well as one in Arlington. The chain was founded in 2002 and opened its first U.S. location in 2006. A 2015 Washington Post review of the best fried chicken in the D.C. area included Bonchon, praising its signature double frying method.

“The made-to-order wings, drumsticks and strips are fried twice, resulting in a paper-thin crust that yields the same satisfying crack as shattering crème brulee with a spoon,” the Post wrote.

The Beacon, which opened in late 2012, has struggled to fill its ground-level retail space. The only other business to open in the Beacon’s four retail storefront spaces is Mattress Discounters, which opened in 2015.