Gami Chicken has brought its signature Korean fried chicken to Albury, marking the brand’s first restaurant in Australia’s border region. The move signals a fresh chapter for the chain, which has experienced a surge in demand for Korean flavors well beyond the country’s metropolitan centers.
Founded in Melbourne in 2006 by four culinary enthusiasts, Gami has since expanded across five major cities and is now targeting steady regional growth. The company projects a 23 percent year-on-year increase in in-store revenue and plans to open seven more restaurants by mid-2026. Executive Director Jun Lee said the appetite for Korean food continues to climb, noting a 60 percent revenue increase over the past year for the brand’s Korean Delights range.
The Albury location is led by local entrepreneur Stuart Fontana, who shifted from a decade in defense contracting to the casual dining sector. Fontana said he was drawn to Gami by both the food and its culture. “This town deserves a place like this—great food, a social vibe, and a space that brings people together,” he said.
Fontana is also weaving community engagement into the business model. Half of all tips will be donated to local clubs and associations, with customers invited to nominate groups for support. Plans are underway for partnerships with schools, sports teams, and worker groups, underscoring his aim to make Gami part of the local fabric.
The Albury restaurant debuts the company’s new K-Street menu, which includes Korean street-style favorites such as cupbap, tteokbokki, army stew, and bulgogi hotpot. These additions join the fried chicken dishes that have built Gami’s reputation among diners nationwide.
For Lee, the expansion reflects more than commercial success. He sees it as proof that Korean dining has entered Australia’s mainstream. “Landing in Albury shows that our concept resonates in communities large and small,” he said. With a growing pipeline and an increasingly loyal customer base, Gami Chicken appears well-positioned to extend its reach far beyond the country’s largest cities.
