PAIK’s NOODLE is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in Korean-Chinese cuisine, founded by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won (also known as Paik Jong-won). The brand opened its first location in Seoul in 2006. It is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, under Noodle J 1, Inc.
PAIK’s NOODLE offers signature dishes such as jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), and tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), all served in a quick-service model.
What makes PAIK’s NOODLE stand out from competitors is its efficient and simplified menu designed by Chef Baek, which maintains consistent flavors and quality across all outlets. The brand focuses on freshness, using hand-made noodles and local ingredients whenever possible.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Paik’s Noodle provides franchisees with structured training programs to ensure consistent operations and brand standards. Here are the training components:
Paik’s Noodle grants franchisees an “Area of Protection,” offering limited territorial exclusivity around their restaurant. In a Central Business District, this area is typically a 0.25-mile radius; outside such districts, it extends to about one mile.
The actual size is negotiated case-by-case based on factors like market demand, demographics, traffic, and visibility. During the franchise term, Paik’s Noodle will not open or license another restaurant within the Area of Protection.
However, this protection excludes “Non-Traditional Outlets” like airports, malls, and hospitals, where the franchisor may operate without any obligation to the franchisee. Moreover, the franchisee does not receive rights to acquire other franchises or expand beyond the protected area.
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Paik's Noodle
key competitors in the
Asian
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Lime House is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering sushi, ramen, and Burmese-inspired dishes, serving diners seeking approachable Asian flavors, and known for chef-driven recipes, fine-dining quality ingredients, community-focused hospitality, and an accessible build-out model for multi-unit or first-time restaurant owners.
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