GEN Korean BBQ has plans on the map in Nashville and Cambridge, while its Jacksonville restaurant has changed hands through a partnership with Chubby Cattle. The three developments put expansion plans alongside a change in who controls some of the chain’s existing restaurants.
Nashville is listed locally as coming soon, Cambridge remains a reported proposal, and the Jacksonville transfer appears in GEN’s corporate filings.
From a pizza restaurant to a hardware store
In Nashville, GEN is planned for 212 21st Avenue South, near Vanderbilt University, in a former Mellow Mushroom space. What Now Nashville first reported the permit plans September 30, 2024.
A January 8, 2026 Metro Beer Board agenda names GEN Nashville LLC at the address, and Nashville Guru lists an expected 2026 opening. An opening date has not been announced.
The Cambridge proposal would bring Korean barbecue to a very different former business: Dickson Bros. hardware in Harvard Square. The Cambridge–Somerville Independent reported May 16 on plans for 26 Brattle Street, with dining across several levels, including the basement and a rooftop deck.
The proposed restaurant covers roughly 8,671 square feet, with a maximum occupancy of 293 people. The plan was headed for commission consideration when the report appeared; a later approval or opening has not been confirmed.
Jacksonville moves into a partnership
GEN’s filing for the quarter ended June 30 describes a March 24 agreement with Chubby Cattle covering five restaurants. GEN would hold 49% of the new restaurant entities, while Chubby Cattle would own 51% and manage them.
Jacksonville and San Antonio transferred April 30, followed by Mountain View, California, and Edison, New Jersey, on May 31. GEN describes those four restaurants as closed in connection with the transaction, while retaining its minority stakes.
For Jacksonville, that means GEN has stepped out of direct control but still has an ownership interest. The filing does not name the last day diners were served or announce an opening under a Chubby Cattle brand.
GEN reported 54 restaurants at June 30. Its August earnings announcement described the exits as part of an effort to improve restaurant performance. Separately, GEN disclosed a nonbinding proposal from an unnamed operator to buy its U.S. restaurant operations, with GEN keeping its packaged-food business. The company cautioned that a sale was not assured.
For fans of GEN’s tabletop grilling, the Nashville and Harvard Square plans offer two possible new places to gather around the grill. Both still need opening dates.
