We Interviewed the Founder Behind This Hotpot Sensation: 6-Hour Queues and 300 Stores in Just 2 Year

POP BBQ: The Self-Service Grill Restaurant Taking Guangzhou by Storm

With wait times of 5–6 hours, ticket numbers over 1,000, and lines stretching nearly two kilometers, a new self-service BBQ brand is making waves in Guangzhou’s food scene.

POP BBQ (formerly known as "Liu Lang Pao Pao • Po Po Lan Lan De Kao Rou Dian") has two new locations in the city — one at Zhengjia Plaza and another at Meilin M·LIVE. Even during their soft opening, these stores have been incredibly popular, with over 1,000 daily reservations and peak waiting times exceeding 8 hours. On its first day, POP BBQ topped Dianping’s "Guangzhou Popular Self-Service BBQ" list.

Started in Wuhan, POP BBQ has expanded rapidly across China. In less than two years, it has opened more than 300 stores in over 100 cities through a mix of company-owned and franchised locations.

Why Is POP BBQ So Popular?

POP BBQ offers a unique dining experience:

• All-you-can-eat grill with over 100 choices, including premium beef, pork, chicken, and seafood.
• Order-by-table service — no crowded self-service islands. This reduces waste and keeps the restaurant clean and spacious.
• There is a fun atmosphere with industrial-style decor, neon lights, movie posters, and even staff dance performances.
• High quality at low prices. For example, their original-cut beef is a customer favorite.

Strong Support for Franchise Partners

POP BBQ focuses heavily on supply chain and operational support:

• Centralized purchasing with global suppliers from Brazil, Argentina, Ukraine, etc.
• National storage network with cold chain logistics ensuring daily fresh delivery.
• Strict quality control with traceability for all ingredients.

The brand also helps with:

• Site selection and store design
• Staff training and grand-opening support
• Marketing and promotions (e.g., membership discounts, seasonal offers)

Many franchisees recover their investment within 10–12 months. Stores typically span 200–300 m² with monthly revenue between ¥600,000 and ¥1.2 million.

What’s Next for POP BBQ?

POP BBQ plans to open 400 new stores in 2025, aiming for 600 locations within three years. Guangzhou is a key market — over 10 company-owned stores are planned in the city alone.

The brand believes in growing through:

• Strong unit economics
• Continuous innovation in food and customer experience
• Deep engagement with young consumers via social media and cultural campaigns

Despite new competitors offering lower prices, POP BBQ remains confident thanks to its product quality, memorable dining experience, and loyal customer base.