Deabelle's Investment Forms Joint Venture with DKORE
In a significant step towards expanding international cuisine in Japan, Deabelle's Investment LLC, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has signed a joint venture agreement with South Korean dining company DKORE Co., Ltd. This partnership aims to operate and establish a franchise headquarters for the celebrated Korean brand, Bukchang-dong Soondubu, within the Japanese market.
Key Highlights of the Joint Venture
The agreement marks Deabelle's first collaboration with a Korean enterprise and signifies an endeavor to obtain a master franchise for the Bukchang-dong Soondubu brand in Japan. Here are some key points of the venture:
- - Launching the Brand: Opening operations and franchise headquarters for Bukchang-dong Soondubu, known for its signature sundubu stew.
- - Collaboration with DKORE: Working with DKORE, which currently manages 94 outlets in Korea and 30 abroad, to establish operational standards and quality controls in Japan.
- - Successful Models: DKORE has a successful international presence, especially in Taiwan, where it operates 27 locations and became publicly traded in 2019. This operational model will be emulated in Japan.
- - Opening of the First Store: Plans for the opening of the first location in Japan are set for August 2025.
- - Franchise Recruitment: Aiming to begin recruiting franchise partners from February 2025, focusing on nationwide expansion.
Note: All plans are subject to change as development progresses.
The Goals of the Joint Venture
This venture's primary objective is to secure and promote the brand's quality and authenticity while establishing a robust franchise model and operational framework in Japan. By collaborating with DKORE, Deabelle's Investment intends to solidify the Bukchang-dong brand identity while ensuring that operational standards meet both Korean and Japanese consumer expectations.
Roles within the Joint Venture
- - Deabelle's Investment: Tasked with store development, property acquisition, operational staffing, franchise development, and marketing strategies in Japan.
- - DKORE: Responsible for providing brand standards, recipes, operational manuals, training, and quality assessments.
The new joint venture company, DKORE JAPAN (currently in development), will oversee operations and franchise functions within Japan.
First Location: Launch Plans for August 2025
Deabelle's Investment plans to establish its first Japanese location for Bukchang-dong Soondubu in August 2025, aiming to replicate the authentic dining experience that DKORE is known for. This location will serve as a prototype to refine recipes, operational practices, and training systems tailored to the Japanese audience in preparation for franchise rollout.
Details about the location and opening date will be provided once finalized.
Franchise Recruitment Starting February 2025
Deabelle's Investment anticipates beginning franchise recruitment in February 2025. Interested entities will be invited to franchise information sessions and individual consultations. Detailed inquiries can be directed to:
- - Contact Person: Yuta Ishino, Deabelle's Investment
- - Email: [email protected]
- - Phone: 080-5453-2440
Target Audience for Franchise Opportunities
- - Existing dining businesses
- - New entrants to the industry
About Bukchang-dong Soondubu
Bukchang-dong Soondubu is a renowned Korean dining brand specializing in sundubu jjigae, a type of soft tofu stew. The aim of Deabelle's Investment is to synthesize the traditional elements of this brand with a freshly optimized consumer experience in Japan, focusing on restaurant design, operations, and service excellence.
About DKORE
DKORE Co., Ltd. operates 94 locations in South Korea and 30 internationally. The company, founded in 2006, has established a significant footprint in the restaurant industry, including distribution and export services related to food products. Its flagship brand, Bukchang-dong Soondubu, has been a favorite since its inception and continues to expand, recently noted for its success in Taiwan, where it was listed on the stock market in 2019.
Future Expansion Plans
Following this joint venture, Deabelle's Investment intends to introduce more notable Korean dining brands to Japan, focusing on franchise growth as the cornerstone of nationwide expansion. Bukchang-dong Soondubu is set to establish a strong operational model that is replicable for future franchise partners.
This release outlines future plans, subject to changes as the project develops.
Leadership Comments
- - Yuta Ishino, Representative of Deabelle's Investment: “This joint venture transcends merely facilitating a foreign brand's entry into Japan; it’s about developing a comprehensive franchise framework while employing DKORE’s strengths in branding, education, and quality management alongside our operational capabilities to build a solid base swiftly.”
- - Soyeong Kim, Representative of DKORE: “We commit to delivering the true value of Bukchang-dong Soondubu in the Japanese market, ensuring sustainable growth by focusing on brand standards and quality support alongside our partner, Deabelle's Investment.”