I moved down from DC in the beginning of September and one sad point about that is that there are a few Bonchon's in the DC/Arlington area that are incredible. There's no possible way there would be such good Korean Friend Chicken or even a Bonchon in Charlotte right? WRONG.
I don't remember exactly when I looked up if there was a Bonchon in Charlotte but I remember texting my girlfriend immediately and being SUPER happy.
I got it for the first time finally on the way back from a 7 hour road trip (From DC, actually) so I just knew I needed it. I live in Noda so I essentially drove us past our house by 20 minutes and then back. Definitely worth it.
I got my usual strips half and half and potstickers half and half. There are mostly similarities between DC and Charlotte Bonchon, but there are some noticeable differences.
First, the potstickers in Charlotte have both pork AND vegetables - which I prefer. That wasn't even an option in DC, only pork potstickers there. Second, I noticed that the chicken is noticeably thinner in Charlotte for the strips. The Arlington and DC locations were much thicker. You still got the signature Bonchon crunch, so I can't complain too much.
Also, for the first time I tried their beef fried rice. Nothing too innovative or crazy, but it was pretty tasty!
I've yet to try any other KFC while in the area, but Bonchon will always be a solid go to when I need it.