franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
11
Kokodak
www.kokodaknz.com
Contact
Angela Shin
022 439 0243
franchise@kokodaknz.com
Advertiser Info
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.”
Kokodak starts a new drive for franchisees
as Korean fried chicken joins New Zealand’s
mainstream fare
KO KO DAK!
Opportunity: Food & Beverage
To learn more, get in touch today
Angela Shin 022 439 0243
franchise@kokodaknz.com
NOT JUST
FRIED CHICKEN.
A BUSINESS
THAT GROWS.
November 2026
Richmond, Nelson
NEW OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE
October 2026
Penrose, Auckland
NEW LOCATIONS COMING SOON