Burger franchises across Korea are struggling to secure buns after SPC Samlip halted operations at its Sihwa plant on April 19, following a worker’s death.
The plant, which produces 30% of SPC’s total output, supplies major chains including No Brand Burger, Mom’s Touch, Burger King, and Lotteria.
No Brand Burger, which relies entirely on SPC for buns, has been hit hardest. A franchise owner in Busan said the supply was sharply reduced, forcing him to borrow buns from nearby stores and even Ulsan, though weekend operations became impossible. The Seomyeon branch in Busan has temporarily closed.
Burger King postponed its ‘Originals’ product launch, while Mom’s Touch and Lotteria face partial disruptions.
In response to public backlash, SPC also halted production of its popular KBO Bread.
Amid recurring factory safety issues, SPC promised to strengthen safety measures, though uncertainty remains over when bun supplies will stabilize.
