The Korean cuisine market in India has witnessed remarkable growth, reaching a market size of 65 crore INR in 2023 and demonstrating a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8%. This burgeoning market presents a significant opportunity for investors seeking to capitalize on the rising popularity of Korean Flavors in the Indian culinary landscape.
At BBFT, our mission is to cultivate and elevate exceptional F&B brands. Today, we are excited to feature Kori’s, an exemplary brand that has seamlessly blended Korean culinary traditions with the dynamic Indian market. This spotlight aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Kori’s business model, market strategies, and growth potential.
Founding Vision and Market Introduction
Kori’s was established in 2012 by Sang Hoon Lee, who brought a vision of melding Korean cuisine with Indian cultural elements. Initially launched as a Korean fast-food destination in New Delhi, Kori’s has transitioned into a full-scale café-cum-restaurant. This transformation reflects a strategic move to offer a unique dining experience that captures the essence of Hallyu (Korean pop culture) while catering to Indian tastes.
Strategic Market Positioning
In a highly competitive F&B industry, Kori’s distinguishes itself through a blend of innovation, authenticity, and a robust customer-centric approach. The brand’s menu is continuously refreshed with new dishes that appeal to evolving consumer preferences while preserving the authenticity of traditional Korean cuisine. Seasonal specials and limited-time offerings are strategic tools to drive repeat visits and customer loyalty.
Quality is central to Kori’s market positioning. Approximately 40% of ingredients are sourced directly from Korea, ensuring the authenticity of flavors. The remaining ingredients are locally sourced to maintain freshness and support local supply chains. This dual-sourcing strategy not only enhances product quality but also reinforces the brand’s commitment to sustainability and local partnerships.
Enhancing Customer Experience
With 5 outlets, Pan India, Kori’s understands that the dining experience extends beyond food. The restaurant’s ambiance combines traditional Korean design with modern aesthetics, featuring elements such as Korean signages, barbecue dining, and rooftop seating. This strategic design choice aims to create a memorable and inviting atmosphere that appeals to a broad customer base.
Target Market and Financial Metrics
Kori’s targets young adults, particularly females and professionals, who are enthusiastic about authentic Korean cuisine and modern dining experiences. In order to understand and engage with their clients better Kori’s maintains a strong digital presence, actively engaging with its audience through social media platforms. This engagement strategy includes interactive content, promotions, and updates on new menu items, all of which help to build a loyal online community and attract new customers The average ticket size varies depending on location, ranging from moderate to upscale, reflecting the brand’s flexible pricing strategy to cater to different market segments.
Key menu items that drive sales include Cheese Tteokbokki, Korean Fried Chicken, Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly), and Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl). These dishes, along with a diverse beverage selection, are designed to showcase the rich flavours of Korean cuisine and attract a wide customer base.
Expansion and Investment Opportunities
Looking forward, Kori’s plans to expand by opening new outlets in strategic locations across New Delhi and Northeastern India. Additionally, the brand is exploring franchising opportunities to accelerate growth and increase market penetration. The focus will remain on maintaining the authenticity and quality of its offerings while adapting to changing consumer preferences.
The capital expenditure required to open a Kori’s restaurant is approximately 40-50 Lakhs for a café-cum-restaurant and a minimum of 1 Cr. for a café, karaoke, and bar setup. For potential investors, this represents a scalable investment with substantial growth potential, supported by a proven business model and a strong brand identity.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of F&B
Kori’s stands as a testament to the successful fusion of tradition and modernity, creating a unique dining experience that resonates with a diverse audience. At BBFT, we are proud to support and feature Kori’s as an example of innovative vision and strategic execution in the F&B industry. We invite investors to explore the potential of Kori’s and join us in building brands for tomorrow.
