Texas could become a significant part of Chubby Group’s next phase of expansion following its proposed $100 million acquisition of operations at 47 GEN Korean BBQ restaurants nationwide. According to Hoodline, GEN currently operates 12 restaurants across Texas, including three in the Houston area, five in Dallas–Fort Worth, two in Austin, and one each in El Paso and Waco. While the specific locations included in the transaction have not yet been confirmed, the agreement creates an opportunity for Chubby Group to significantly strengthen its presence across several of the state’s major dining markets.
For Chubby Group, Texas represents an important opportunity to expand through an established restaurant network while building on its existing presence in the region. The company already operates premium dining concepts in markets such as Houston, including Wagyu House and Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House. Through the proposed GEN acquisition, Chubby Group plans to introduce GEN X, a wagyu-forward evolution of the Korean barbecue experience, or transition selected restaurants into other concepts within its portfolio. This approach would allow the company to leverage established locations and customer relationships while introducing its premium ingredients, hospitality standards, and vertically integrated operating model to additional Texas communities.
The larger business takeaway is that regional expansion becomes more powerful when companies build on existing market demand rather than relying exclusively on new restaurant development. Acquiring established operations can create opportunities to accelerate market entry, strengthen regional awareness, and improve operational efficiency. For Chubby Group, the potential expansion across Texas represents more than additional restaurant locations. It is an opportunity to build a stronger regional hospitality network supported by premium dining experiences, consistent execution, and long-term customer engagement.
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https://hoodline.com/2026/10/12-texas-gen-korean-bbq-spots-could-get-new-owners-in-100m-deal/