ASAHI is a unique Japanese-Korean grill restaurant offering an interactive dining experience where guests cook their own meals on built-in tabletop grills. Our menu features high-quality seafood, steaks, broths, and a curated selection of sake, wine, tea, and coffee, all presented with originality and served in a warm, modern atmosphere.
Located in Łódź, ASAHI fills a market gap with its innovative concept and low competition. We aim to become a leader in the region and plan to expand through franchising, bringing this distinctive culinary experience to new cities.
Current Status
Key Metrics and Current Status
The project is in the final preparation stage before launch, with a fully developed concept, brand identity, business model, and investor presentation.
Comprehensive market analysis has been completed, confirming low competition in the Łódź area for interactive Japanese-Korean grill dining.
Detailed financial projections and a business plan are ready.
Active search for investments is ongoing to fund the opening of the first restaurant within 2–3 months after securing financing.
A franchising strategy has been developed to ensure sustainable growth and scalability.
Market
Customer Segments and Market
Target Customers: Young professionals and urban dwellers aged 25–45 looking for unique and interactive dining experiences.
Fans of Japanese and Korean cuisine who appreciate high-quality seafood, steaks, and grill dishes.
Groups of friends and families seeking a social and engaging atmosphere.
Tourists interested in authentic East Asian culinary experiences.
Market Overview:
The Polish foodservice market is growing, with increasing demand for authentic international cuisines.
Łódź currently lacks restaurants offering interactive Japanese-Korean grill dining, presenting a unique opportunity.
East Asian cuisine is gaining popularity among a broad demographic, especially millennials and Gen Z.
Franchising opportunities support scalable growth and market expansion beyond major cities.
Problem or Opportunity
Challenges:
Entering a new and untested market segment with an interactive dining concept, which may require educating customers about the experience.
Initial investment and operational costs are relatively high due to specialized equipment and premium ingredients.
Building brand awareness and attracting consistent customer flow in the early months.
Opportunities:
Absence of direct competitors in Łódź with a similar interactive Japanese-Korean grill concept.
Growing popularity of East Asian cuisine among young and middle-aged consumers.
Strong potential for expansion through franchising to other cities and regions.
Increasing demand for unique dining experiences beyond traditional restaurants.
Solution (product or service)
ASAHI addresses the market gap by offering a unique interactive Japanese-Korean grill experience that combines high-quality ingredients, original presentation, and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests actively participate in cooking their meals on built-in tabletop grills, creating a memorable and engaging dining experience.
Our concept appeals to modern consumers seeking not just food but immersive and social dining. With a solid business plan, brand strategy, and planned franchising model, ASAHI is positioned to become a leader in its niche and expand sustainably across Poland and beyond.
Competitors
Competitors and Existing Alternatives
Currently, there are no direct competitors in Łódź offering an interactive Japanese-Korean grill dining experience like ASAHI. This unique concept fills an untapped niche in the market, providing guests with a hands-on culinary experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the city.
While traditional restaurants serving Japanese or Korean cuisine exist, none offer the self-cooking grill format combined with high-quality ingredients and a distinctive atmosphere. This gives ASAHI a strong first-mover advantage and a clear competitive edge.
Advantages or differentiators
Advantages and Differentiators
Unique Interactive Experience: ASAHI offers guests the chance to cook their own meals on built-in tabletop grills, creating a memorable and engaging dining experience.
Exclusive Concept: No other restaurant in Łódź provides this Japanese-Korean grill format, ensuring first-mover advantage and market exclusivity.
High-Quality Ingredients: Emphasis on premium seafood, steaks, and authentic East Asian flavors delivered with original presentation.
Atmosphere and Service: A modern, cozy environment designed for socializing, with attentive service and special themed events.
Scalable Business Model: Developed franchising strategy allows for expansion beyond the initial location, increasing brand reach and profitability.
Cultural Appeal: Capitalizes on the growing interest in East Asian cuisine and culture among local consumers.
Finance
Revenue Streams:
In-restaurant sales of food and beverages, including steaks, seafood, broths, appetizers, and desserts.
Bar sales featuring wine, sake, beer, whiskey, cocktails, tea, and coffee.
Set menus and combo offers designed for couples and groups to increase average check size.
Special themed events such as Japanese nights and sake tastings.
VIP table reservations with premium service.
Merchandise and gift certificate sales (planned after 6 months of stable operation).
Franchise income through royalties (5–7% of franchise turnover) and one-time brand licensing fees.
Cost Structure (Monthly):
Rent: 10,000 – 12,000 PLN
Staff salaries: 27,000 – 30,000 PLN
Food and beverage supplies: 8,000 – 12,000 PLN
Utilities: 2,000 – 3,000 PLN
Marketing and advertising: 2,000 – 3,000 PLN
Other expenses (services, software, minor repairs): 1,500 – 2,500 PLN
Invested in previous rounds, $
Business model
Business Model:
ASAHI is an interactive Japanese-Korean grill restaurant where customers cook their own meals using built-in tabletop grills. Revenue is generated primarily from food and beverage sales, special events, VIP services, and franchising fees. The franchising model supports scalable growth and brand expansion.
Sales Channels:
Direct in-restaurant sales
Online table reservations via website and mobile app (planned)
Merchandise and gift certificate sales both in-store and online
Social media marketing and partnerships
Franchise development and support
Key Metrics:
Average spend per customer
Daily and monthly customer footfall
Table occupancy rate
Repeat customer percentage
Revenue from special events and VIP services
Food and beverage gross margin
Franchise royalties and fees
Money will be spent on
Use of Investment Funds
The investment will be primarily allocated to:
Securing and renovating the restaurant premises.
Purchasing specialized equipment, including built-in tabletop grills.
Initial stock of high-quality ingredients and beverages.
Marketing and promotional activities for the launch.
Hiring and training staff to ensure excellent service.
Developing online presence, including website and reservation systems.
Working capital to cover operational expenses during the initial months.
This targeted allocation ensures a smooth launch and establishes a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Offer for investor
Investor Offer
Profit Share: 25% of the restaurant’s net profit.
Franchise Bonus: 5–7% royalty from each new franchise location launched.
Exit/ Reinvestment Option: Investors can choose to reinvest their profits or exit after 12 months.
Priority Participation: Investors receive priority access to all future ASAHI projects and expansions.
This offer provides a competitive return with opportunities for long-term growth and involvement in an innovative dining concept.
Market Education: Introducing a new interactive dining format may require time and resources to educate customers and build awareness.
Operational Complexity: Managing self-cooking grills and ensuring consistent food quality and safety could be challenging initially.
High Initial Costs: Specialized equipment and premium ingredients lead to higher upfront and operating expenses.
Competition Emergence: Future competitors might enter the market after ASAHI establishes the concept, increasing competitive pressure.
Economic Factors: Changes in the economy or consumer spending habits could affect restaurant traffic and profitability.
Dependence on Key Staff: The quality of service and operations rely heavily on experienced personnel.
Incubation/Acceleration programs accomplishment
Participation in Incubation/Acceleration Programs
The ASAHI project is currently not participating in any incubation or acceleration programs. We are focusing on developing our concept independently and seeking direct investment to launch the restaurant.
Won the competition and other awards
Awards and Competitions
At this stage, ASAHI is in the business plan and concept development phase and has not yet participated in or won any competitions. We are focused on preparing a strong foundation for a successful launch and look forward to future opportunities to showcase our project.