No Brand Burger locations near universities up 54% in a year

Shinsegae Food announced Wednesday that No Brand Burger now operates 27 stores on or near university campuses, a 54 percent increase from a year earlier.

The company recently opened a location at KAIST in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, bringing the total number of on-campus stores to six, alongside existing outlets at Dongguk University, Seokyeong University and Konkuk University's Lake Hall. An additional 21 stores operate in commercial districts near universities, including locations in Hongdae and Sinchon.

High table turnover at university-area stores has driven expansion centered on the company's low-capital franchise model, the "compact store." At about 50 square meters, compact stores require less upfront investment than standard locations and are designed for efficient operation through optimized kitchen workflow and space utilization. About 40 percent of No Brand Burger's university-area stores currently use the compact format.

The chain also offers differentiated menus and promotions targeting student customers, with options ranging from items priced around 2,000 won to larger, more distinctive offerings. Regular promotions such as "Wapemo Day" and the "NBB Coupon Pack" are also available.

Shinsegae Food plans to continue opening university-area stores by factoring in foot traffic and consumer spending patterns specific to each commercial district. "Going forward, we will strengthen the foundation for franchisees to operate their stores stably and grow together through location strategies and operational support tailored to the characteristics of each commercial district," a company official said.