franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
15
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.”
The Katsubi franchise continues to rise in
challenging times
GROWING
Opportunity: Food & Beverage
Katsubi
www.katsubi.co.nz
Contact
Sean Kim
021 880 278
franchise@katsubi.co.nz
Advertiser Info
STRONGER
10 0 % N Z FO U N D E D & O W N E D
Katsubi
Botany