BONCHON FRANCHISE LLC v. ZHOU et al
The unopposed ruling by U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon prevents Xiao Cheng Zhou, his wife Eileen Zhou, and Stamford Brother LLC from running MAMA SHIM at 170 College Street while Bonchon’s non-compete covenant remains in force.
Bonchon and Zhou signed a franchise agreement in October 2015 granting him a 10-year license to operate a Bonchon restaurant at that address. Section 12.02 of the agreement prohibited Zhou from engaging in any competitive business within 10 miles of the location for two years after the franchise expired.
The Bonchon restaurant at 170 College Street permanently ceased operations on October 29, 2025, one day before the franchise agreement expired. Within days, according to the complaint, Defendants opened MAMA SHIM address, serving the same menu of Korean style fried chicken, appetizers, side dishes and beverages.
Bonchon filed suit May 13, 2026, and moved for a preliminary injunction the same day. The court issued an order to show cause directing Defendants to respond by May 22 and appear at a hearing May 27. No Defendant filed papers or appeared. Bonchon’s counsel told the court Zhou had been contacted and received the moving papers.
Judge McMahon found Bonchon demonstrated likelihood of success on the merits, no adequate remedy at law, and irreparable harm. The injunction bars Defendants from operating MAMA SHIM or any competitive business within 10 miles of the former location until final resolution or October 30, 2027, whichever comes first. Defendants must also return Bonchon’s confidential information and operations manual.
The order requires Defendants to answer the complaint by June 26. Judge McMahon warned Zhou that Stamford Brother, as a corporation, cannot appear pro se and must retain counsel.