Overview
- The CU Downtown outlet opened in Honolulu’s central business district and drew long lines at its grand opening.
- The launch makes CU the first Korean convenience store brand operating in the U.S. market.
- A May deal with CU Hawaii LLC, formed by local firm WKF Inc., established a master franchise with rights to open stores and sub-franchise to third parties after months of operational know-how transfer.
- BGF Retail targets 50 CU locations across Hawaii within three years, with formats tailored to local neighborhoods.
- The store positions itself as a K-culture hub, featuring a ramyeon station, a K-beauty zone, photo booths and self-checkout.