KO KO DAK!

Most people have heard of K-pop, but did you know that K-food is also now a popular worldwide phenomenon? Just as the international music industry has been shaken up by Korean pop culture, so too is the Korean fried chicken revolution quickly gaining momentum in this country and beyond. 

John Song, founder and director of Kokodak, believes the franchise’s success is partly due to the distinctive seasonings that distinguish Korean fried chicken becoming so popular in New Zealand. It is no longer a niche product, but a mainstream food category, just like sushi and other popular Asian foods.

Established in 2021, Kokodak already has 19 stores throughout the North Island and in Christchurch, catering to a broad mix of customer groups. The menu is designed to satisfy dine-in customers as well as provide takeaways and delivery. All ingredients are sourced fresh from local New Zealand suppliers and the brand’s special powders and sauces are made fresh every day at the company’s own Auckland-based distribution centre.

“Over the past five years we’ve developed Kokodak into a recognisable New Zealand Korean chicken brand with consistent recipes, operating procedures, supply arrangements and store presentation,” explains John. “We are always asked about the unusual brand name. Did you know that ko ko dak is the Korean equivalent of a chicken’s clucking sound in English?

“We now have further franchise gihoe (in Korean an opportunity is known as ‘gihoe’) available across New Zealand’s regional cities and growing communities, where there is a strong demand for quality Asian and Korean food but few established Korean chicken brands.

No experience required

Previous food or hospitality experience is not a prerequisite for becoming a Kokodak franchisee, says John.

“We are looking for people who can demonstrate a commitment to their business, are willing to work closely with the Kokodak system, can maintain high standards and provide consistently good food and customer service.

“It is very important that new franchisees are actively involved in their business, especially during establishment and early operating stages. You can quickly learn the ropes through Kokodak’s structured training and ongoing head office support.”

Finding the right locations as well as selecting and supporting franchisees is a primary focus of the Kokodak head office. John says that their comprehensive support package includes site assessment, lease and store planning, fit-out guidance, equipment and supplier coordination, operational training, menu and food preparation systems, support through the opening phase, as well as ongoing operational and marketing assistance.

Kokodak wants franchisees to concentrate on what matters most, he explains.

“That means operating their store well, looking after their customers with delicious food, kindness and sincerity, and building a strong local business.”

Good brands take time

“There is still considerable room for the brand to grow, particularly outside the locations where Kokodak is already well established,” says John.

A new franchisee joining the Kokodak franchise now is joining a much more mature business compared to someone who came on board five years ago, he says.

“We have established the brand, proved the concept in the New Zealand market and built the systems and infrastructure required to support a growing franchise network. As we have grown, operational experience and solid supply relationships have enabled us to refine our systems and our menu, as well as purchasing and in store operations.

“Fit-out costs generally range between $2,500 and $3,000 per m², varying based on site size and location, with specific details determined through detailed consultation.”

But John says they’re not looking simply to grow as quickly as they can.

“Our absolute priority is to find the right franchise partners and the right store locations, to allow Kokodak to continue growing sustainably right across New Zealand.”  

See this advertorial on page 11 of Franchise New Zealand magazine Year 35 Issue 03

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