CELEBRATING SLOW FOOD SERVED FAST

2023: Katsubi Silverdale

Home-grown Kiwi franchise Katsubi is celebrating 20 years of success for the famous Red Bowl

How do you combine traditional slow-cooked flavours with the fast service required in a modern food business? That’s the secret that Katsubi discovered 20 years ago – and now the brand is celebrating its birthday with an Instagram promotion that sees customers win grand prizes like Air Pods and i-Pads in a monthly draw. It’s part of the appeal that has seen the brand win thousands of loyal fans for franchisees around New Zealand – but it’s the food itself that keeps people coming back.

‘People love the fresh taste of our Red Bowls, which combine freshlycooked meat and healthy vegetables flavoured with our unique Katsubi Sauce,’ explains Zoe Park of Katsubi HQ. ‘This enables people to select their own mix of salads and sauces, then add hot meats or plant-based options to create the perfect combination for them. Our original recipe Red Bowl flavours can’t be copied – it is slow food designed to be served fast!’

Unique flavours

Zoe runs through the menu. ‘As well as the Red Bowl, we’re famous for our Chicken DAK, crunchy fried 100 percent New Zealand chicken marinated in a special sauce which gives it a delicious tangy, spicy flavour. The recipe is a closely-guarded secret – the chicken is prepared in our factories in Auckland and Christchurch and then cooked on the spot in each store. And we also have Katsubi’s own unique udon and ramen noodle options, as well as a variety of tasty snacks to suit any taste, any time.

‘The result is a very successful, very well-established and very profitable business model,’ Zoe says. ‘We have franchisees who have been with us for over 10 years, and our performance during all the disruptions of Covid only showed what a stable, secure business this is.

‘Katsubi is a 100 percent Kiwi-owned family business and we are very proud of our track record. Nationally, the company is a strong performer with significant brand awareness even compared to some of the global franchises operating here.’

Ready to learn?

With 21 locations already established, Katsubi is looking for franchisees for new mall and streetside locations all over the country. ‘The opportunity is open to anyone interested in the hospitality industry with a passion for business and a desire to succeed,’ says Zoe. ‘You don’t need a food background or a specific skill set as long as you have lots of energy and are willing to learn – this is a very hands-on business.’

Most stores are open 9am-9pm or mall hours, depending on location.

Franchisees learn to do the cooking themselves then teach others as the business grows. After 20 years, Katsubi has welltried systems to follow in everything from food preparation and ordering to HR, scheduling and business management. Initial training takes place in Auckland and then there are regular visits and contact with each franchisee.

‘New franchisees get the benefit of highly-experienced specialists in operations, marketing and planning as their businesses grow,’ says Zoe. ‘This ensures that you are comfortable with every part of the business and able to make the most of the opportunities the franchise offers to achieve high levels of profitability and sustainable returns.’

For new franchisees, total investment levels vary according to location and size. In general, the range is between $350,000 and $500,000.

Katsubi’s track record as one of the most successful local franchised eateries in the country means that banks are supportive when it comes to finding finance for the right people, says Zoe. ‘They have seen how successful the business has been over the last 20 years, and how much focus we put on sustainability and profitability,’ she explains.

Taste it for yourself

Katsubi is keen to find franchisees for locations in key cities and towns around New Zealand.

‘This is a proven business model which can deliver excellent returns for franchisees,’ says Zoe. ‘Our “slow food served fast” approach offers fresh, healthy food for everyone and has a wide appeal wherever we go.

‘Visit a store and taste Katsubi for yourself, then contact me – we’re keen to hear from people who share our passion.’

KATSUBI STORES

Auckland - Albany, Browns Bay, DressSmart Onehunga, Glenfield, Greenlane, Manukau, NorthWest, Orewa, Rosedale, Silverdale, St Lukes, Sylvia Park, Takapuna, WestCity

Hamilton - Dinsdale, The Base

Tauranga - Bayfair

Christchurch - Airport (Spitfire), Northlands, Riccarton

Places of Interest - Auckland City, Birkenhead, Christchurch City, Dunedin, Hornby, Napier, Nelson, Newmarket, Tauranga, Taupō, Queenstown, Whangarei (or contact Katsubi for more options)

Advertiser Info

Katsubi

www.katsubi.co.nz www.katsubi.com

Contact Zoe Park

M 021 880 278

franchise@katsubi.co.nz

Katsubi’s Instagram promotion is winning friends and rewarding fans

Katsubi’s Instagram promotion is winning friends and rewarding fans