LOTTE GRS Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of the LOTTE Group and one of South Korea's largest integrated foodservice and restaurant operators. Headquartered in Seoul, the company operates a diversified portfolio of well-known brands across fast food, coffee, bakery, premium dining, and airport concessions. Since its establishment in 1979 with the founding of Lotteria, LOTTE GRS has played a key role in shaping Korea’s modern dining culture.
Core Business and Offerings
LOTTE GRS oversees the development, operation, and franchising of multiple foodservice brands. Its core business segments include:
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Fast Food:
- Lotteria: South Korea’s leading domestic fast-food chain, offering burgers, fried chicken, and Korean-fusion menu items.
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Coffee & Bakery:
- Angel-in-us Coffee: A popular premium café chain offering espresso beverages, desserts, and seasonal drinks.
- Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: Operated under a licensing partnership in Korea, offering the global brand’s signature doughnuts and coffee.
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Casual and Premium Dining:
- Villa de Charlotte: A fine-dining brand offering European cuisine with Korean influence.
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Food Courts & Multi-Brand Venues:
- The Food House: A cafeteria-style food court brand with multiple cuisines, commonly located in department stores and malls.
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Airport Concessions:
- Operates multiple branded and multi-brand restaurants across major Korean airports, including Incheon International Airport.
Specialization and Core USP
LOTTE GRS distinguishes itself through:
- Multi-Brand Management: Operating diverse foodservice brands under one umbrella to capture different customer segments.
- Domestic and Global Reach: Strong franchise development model, with Lotteria and Angel-in-us operating in Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.
- Menu Localization: Tailoring global concepts like burgers and doughnuts to Korean and Southeast Asian taste profiles.
- Digital and Delivery Innovation: Early adoption of digital kiosks, mobile apps, and third-party delivery integration.
Financial Performance
As a major unit within the Lotte conglomerate, LOTTE GRS contributes significantly to the group’s retail and consumer business revenue.
- Annual Revenue (2023): KRW 1.38 trillion (~USD 1.04 billion)
- Number of Outlets:
- Lotteria: 1,300+ outlets (domestic and international)
- Angel-in-us: 450+ locations
- Krispy Kreme Korea: 130+ stores
- Employees: Over 5,000 full-time staff, with additional franchise and part-time workforce
LOTTE GRS continues to grow its footprint both in Korea and across ASEAN markets.
Shipment and Supply Chain Operations
While not a product exporter in the traditional sense, LOTTE GRS operates centralized food preparation and distribution hubs to support its franchise network:
- Central Kitchen Facilities: Located in Gyeonggi Province, handling food production, freezing, and quality control.
- Logistics Centers: Integrated cold chain and ambient logistics centers supply all domestic and overseas outlets.
- Global Procurement: Sourcing high-quality beef, cheese, and coffee beans from both Korean and international suppliers.
Target Market
LOTTE GRS brands cater to a wide consumer spectrum:
- Urban Youth and Families: Fast food and café segments target affordable indulgence and convenience.
- Premium Diners: Villa de Charlotte and airport brands appeal to upscale and international travelers.
- ASEAN Consumers: Lotteria and Angel-in-us Coffee outlets in Southeast Asia are positioned as premium Korean-style chains.
Capabilities
- Brand Development: In-house teams design menu items, marketing campaigns, and store concepts.
- R&D Innovation: Continuous development of seasonal and culturally relevant menu items.
- Franchise Management: Training, support, and supply chain integration for local and international franchisees.
- Technology Integration: Mobile apps, digital loyalty programs, and AI-enabled ordering kiosks.
Certifications and Compliance
- HACCP: Certified at central kitchen and key production sites.
- ISO 22000: Food safety management systems.
- Halal Certification: Select menu items and facilities to support overseas Muslim-majority markets.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Commitment to reducing single-use plastics and implementing sustainable packaging.
Customer Testimonials
“Lotteria provides excellent support to franchisees, from training to timely delivery. Their localized burgers have become best-sellers in Vietnam.”
— Franchise Partner, Hanoi, Vietnam
“Angel-in-us Coffee offers a premium but approachable atmosphere, and the seasonal menus are always a big hit with our customers.”
— Café Manager, Seoul
Major Achievements
- 1979: Launch of Lotteria, pioneering fast food culture in Korea.
- 2000: Entry into Vietnam, first Korean QSR brand to expand internationally.
- 2015: Full acquisition and rebranding of Angel-in-us Coffee.
- 2019: Surpassed 1,000 Lotteria stores milestone.
- 2022: Digital transformation initiative including smart ordering kiosks and AI forecasting in kitchens.
- 2023: Opened new flagship multi-brand F&B zone in Incheon International Airport Terminal 2.
With a powerful blend of localized branding, diversified dining formats, and international scalability, LOTTE GRS Co., Ltd. continues to shape the future of Asian foodservice both at home and abroad.
