Korean Chain Kraze Burgers Opens ‘Quietly’ in Bethesda

Kraze Burgers, in its first venture into the North American market, opened ‘quietly’ last week in Bethesda at the former National Jean Co. space at 7301 Woodmont Ave.

The highly-anticipated Korean burger place opened without fanfare and early business has been fairly strong, according to employees working the counter Friday, the third day of actual operation. The eatery opened Tuesday but was closed Thursday for Thanksgiving.

In a sense, you could say Kraze Burgers is coming full circle with last week’s opening. The firm began in 1998 as part of a bid to introduce the American hamburger to Korean consumers. It’s been so successful in Korea and other Asian nations that it’s now trying to crack the U.S. market, starting here in the Washington, D.C. area.

Bethesda is the first step but eventual plans also especially in Georgetown, Dupont Circle and possibly Union Station, as well as in Arlington and possibly other locations in northern Virginia.

An executive at Hanshik Ltd., the Fairfax, Va-based franchiser, said the new eatery had opened ‘quietly’ last week but added that a grand opening is planned, possibly in December.

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