GROWING STRONGER

Founded in 2002 in Rotorua, Katsubi, meaning ‘Winning Day’, has grown into a nationally recognised quick-service restaurant brand with 23 locations across Aotearoa and at least four more opening this year.

As founder Max Kim explains, “Katsubi is our inspiration to franchisees to find something in every day to make it a winning day, even when facing significant challenges like Covid or economic downturns. And, of course, our customers can rely on Katsubi bringing a delicious and healthy taste of winning days to everyone.”

At the heart of Katsubi is its signature ‘Red Bowl’, a unique fusion inspired by Korean Bibimbap and Japanese Donburi, enhanced by Katsubi’s own proprietary sauce. This distinctive Kiwi-Asian concept delivers three core promises: great taste, generous portions, and affordable pricing.

Winning days

Bucking the trend in New Zealand’s hospitality sector, Katsubi is continuing its own streak of winning days, confidently moving forward with new openings in Ponsonby, Botany, Newmarket and Commercial Bay. Max explains, “Entering these highly competitive and iconic retail destinations reflects strong trust in Katsubi’s brand value and long-term vision. 

This is not simply about increasing the number of stores – it represents a strategic move into the heart of New Zealand’s premium commercial landscape, reinforcing our presence in key central precincts and positioning Katsubi among leading brands in the market.”

Built on operational simplicity and consistent product quality, Katsubi has developed a franchise model designed for stability and scalability. Max is proud of the streamlined menu, efficient kitchen systems, and clear operational guidelines that he says allow franchisees to run their stores with confidence and control.

Rather than reacting to short-term market pressure, Max says that Katsubi focuses on strengthening its fundamentals – protecting margins, maintaining food quality, and delivering a reliable customer experience. Katsubi operates its own warehouse and manufacturing facilities, ensuring quality control, supply stability, and operational efficiency across all locations. From ingredient sourcing to cool room optimisation, every stage of the process is carefully managed to support franchise success. “Our in-depth training program provides new franchisees with all necessary practical skills: not just culinary, but also technical in point-of-sale, delivery software, outlet management, and licensing.”

As good as their food

Bipendra and Rhadika Ram have been franchisees of Katsubi Silverdale, just north of Auckland, since February 2023. Over the past three years, Rhadika says that the Katsubi franchise system and operational support, along with the well-selected location, have all proven to be amazing.

“People love our food,” says Rhadika, “especially Katsubi’s Donburi-style Red Bowls, full of each customer’s choice of exquisitely cooked meats or plant-based options, and healthy seasonal vegetables, salads and rice.

“And the Katsubi franchise team are as good as their food. From the start, everything was clear and simple, from finding the site through fit-out to opening. I had a month’s solid management training, and we then had two weeks on-the-spot support in our own outlet as we learned the routines. We have found it is very simple to operate, and the franchise is totally supportive if we ever need them.”

Join the winning team

With more than 20 years of operational experience, Katsubi has developed a structured and scalable franchise system with plenty of room for further growth.

Max explains, “Our long-term vision for the Katsubi brand is to continue expanding strategically across New Zealand, partnering with committed franchisees while maintaining brand consistency, operational excellence, and customer trust. Demonstrating a passion for Katsubi is a must, but equally, potential franchisees must commit to our proven processes and procedures.

“Once up and running, franchisees benefit from ongoing Katsubi head office support in marketing, supply chain, and operational guidance to ensure sustainable performance. To experience the winning taste of success, call into your nearest Katsubi outlet. Then let’s talk business.”  

See this advertorial on page 15 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 35 Issue 01

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