South Korea’s fried chicken darling, Mom’s Touch, will be opening in North Long Beach early next year, according to the company. It will mark the chain’s second location in Southern California. The first opened in Gardena during the summertime this year.

The internationally famed chain, which boasts over 1,300 locations across South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore will be taking over the former WaBa Grill at the Harding Plaza on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Harding Street, according to a recent report by Eater LA. Unlike its Gardena counterpart, the North Long Beach location will include a drive-thru.

“We are very excited to introduce the signature Mom’s Touch experience and delicious fried chicken creations to our Long Beach guests who may have heard about us in Gardena, but haven’t had the chance to visit just yet,” Mike Lee, director of marketing and finance at Mom’s Touch, said in a press release.

The chain’s international menu is quite expansive compared to its SoCal menu which offers a modest, although well regarded, selection of fried chicken wings, chicken sandwiches and chicken fingers.

It is perhaps the restaurant’s preparation that has piqued diners’ attention since its landing in SoCal earlier this year. The chicken, which is served fresh and touted as never frozen, is marinated in a Cajun spice blend that includes red pepper, cayenne pepper and paprika for 24 hours before being hand-battered and deep-fried.

The wings come in six flavor profiles, from its mildly spicy “Mom’s Original” recipe to its spiciest, “Fuego.” Some sweeter offerings include a “Sweet Chili” and “Apple Zing” flavor.

There are three fried chicken sandwiches to choose from, including the original, fuego and a creamy garlic option that can be made with either dark thigh meat or chicken breast. Each sandwich includes lettuce, onions, pickles and a “special sauce” that’s sandwiched between a soft brioche bun.

The “Fuego” fried chicken sandwich. Photo courtesy Mom’s Touch.

Mom’s Touch representatives say the restaurant will open in “early 2022.” To keep tabs on the restaurant, visit their Instagram or website.

Mom’s Touch is also slated to open a third location in the City of Industry in 2022, though the date has not been disclosed.

Mom’s Touch will open at 6191 Atlantic Ave.

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