18
Franchise New Zealand | Spring 2026 | Year 35 Issue 03
Katsubi
www.katsubi.co.nz
Contact
Cindy Han
021 880 278
franchise@katsubi.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Katsubi’s journey began in New Zealand in 2002, with a simple idea: to
provide fresh, satisfying food that customers could enjoy as part of everyday
life. Today, the Katsubi restaurant brand boasts 25 stores across the country,
continuing to expand while staying focused on the food and values that have
shaped the business from the beginning.
Founder Max Kim outlines the three simple words which sit at the centre of
Katsubi’s food philosophy and brand identity.
Fresh reflects Katsubi’s focus on fresh ingredients and carefully prepared
food. Healthy represents the range of choices available, including fresh
salads and vegetables alongside its Korean and Japanese inspired hot food
and meal options. And Tasty is at the heart of everything Katsubi serves –
food should be satisfying, flavourful and enjoyable.
“For a growing franchise network, maintaining those standards across our
many different locations is crucial,” says Max. “Customers visiting Katsubi
in Auckland, Christchurch or elsewhere in New Zealand should be able to
recognise the same food quality and brand experience.”
Max is also proud that Katsubi’s growth has continued despite a challenging
period for the hospitality sector. “Over the past year, we’ve opened four new
stores in Botany, Ponsonby, Newmarket, and Commercial Bay. These marked
an important step into some of Auckland’s most recognised and competitive
dining and commercial destinations, introducing Katsubi to new customer
groups and expanding its presence beyond its established locations.”
But Max says that, for Katsubi, growth is not simply about increasing the
number of stores. “We have been carefully selecting opportunities that
strengthen the brand and provide a solid foundation for future development.”
Focus on the regions
While Auckland remains an important part of Katsubi’s network, the brand is
increasingly looking beyond its original home market. Mr Choi, manager of
the Riccarton store, says Christchurch customers have really responded well
to Katsubi’s unique fresh and healthy style.
“We have a strong base of regulars coming back for their favourite dishes.
We also get customers trying Katsubi for the first time, so there is always an
opportunity to introduce them to something new and tasty. Having plenty of
choice makes it easier to cater to different customers and occasions.”
Listening to customers
After several years in Riccarton, the store has also developed strong
relationships with its surrounding community.
“We see the same faces regularly,” says Mr Choi, “and there is a real sense
of familiarity. Being part of the local community is not always about doing
something big. Sometimes it is simply being a reliable local business that
people know and enjoy coming to.”
That connection with customers extends beyond the everyday dining
experience. Last Christmas, Katsubi introduced an inaugural Wish Box event
across its stores nationwide, connecting with customers at a time when
some people in the community can sometimes be feeling very much alone.
Customers were invited to share a wish or a heartfelt story about themselves
or someone special. From the entries received, Katsubi selected meaningful
stories and provided free catering to help make those occasions more special.
Looking ahead
Katsubi Richmond is scheduled to open in November and there are
opportunities still available in regional towns across the country.
Max is proud that Katsubi’s franchise structure provides clear recipes,
food preparation standards, operating procedures, staff training and brand
guidelines. Katsubi provides franchise partners with practical operational
support, and strong systems create a consistent foundation while allowing
individual franchise partners and store teams to bring their own experience
and understanding of their local market.
And Max believes that opening a new store
is only the beginning. “Building a strong
team and earning customers’ trust is what
turns a new location into a successful
long-term business. That is what ‘More
Than Just Opening Stores’ means for
Katsubi: continuing to grow, while making
sure every new store is built on strong
foundations for the journey ahead.”
Katsubi focuses on food quality, values,
people and community to support a
sustainable franchise future
MORE
THAN JUST
OPENING
STORES
Opportunity: Food & Beverage
10 0 % N Z FO U N D E D & O W N E D
Katsubi
Commercial Bay