From a Korean fried-chicken garage start-up to a restaurant chain in just under three years, Ko Ko Dak has captivated New Zealand with its rapid rise.

Behind this savoury success is owner John Song, whose innovative approach and keen business acumen have turned a culinary trend into a burgeoning empire.

From understanding market gaps with digital insights to overcoming the hurdles of expansion, Ko Ko Dak's journey is a testament to the power of quality product, and strategic planning.

Variety is the secret to savoury success

According to Song, the secret of ko Ko Dak’s rapid growth lies in their high-quality ingredients sourced from New Zealand and their unique, secret recipes for sauces and coatings.

"Everybody knows American-style fried chicken. But the difference in Korean chicken is the sauce, which gives it such a special, unique taste,” Song says.

“We currently have six different flavours. Having some diversity of flavours means we can attract different customers.”

Using data to build the business

Before starting Ko Ko Dak, Song managed sushi restaurants for over a decade. Seeing the market saturate, he used Google Trends to spot Kiwis' growing interest in Korean fried chicken post-Covid. Ready to capitalise, Song and his chef wife created unique recipes.

An act of perseverance

The first Ko Ko Dak store opened in Auckland's Ormiston suburb in March 2021 - in the middle of a pandemic.

“It was a very difficult time,” says Song.

“There were many challenges and lessons. I studied franchising then to improve our approach.” Now, the franchise has nine stores in Auckland and Tauranga, with plans to expand further.

Not just surviving, but thriving

Despite recent market challenges, Ko Ko Dak flourished while others struggled. Song credits this success to his ANZ Relationship Manager Miki Lee's financial guidance. Even with slow growth in the food and beverage industry, the chain's success inspires aspiring entrepreneurs.

A foundation for the future

Focused on the future, Song is dedicated to sharing Korean fried chicken with New Zealanders and supporting the local economy. He advises aspiring business owners to refine their business structure and processes, and to always remember their initial passion.

Visit ANZ Biz Hub for more.

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Physical vs Digital

From garage to gourmet: the fiery rise of Ko Ko Dak