A Korean fried chicken sensation has been fast-tracked to Australia, and the brand is recruiting for 20 new stores in 2017. 

NeNe Chicken was established in South Korea in 1999 and currently has over 1000 outlets throughout the region. The franchise is now on Aussie shores.

“Australians have a traditional love affair with fried chicken,” said Richard Godwin, master franchisor.

He said the key differences with NeNe Chicken are the marinate, batter mix and sauces which come directly from Korea, so customers experience the same taste in Australia.

“The chicken is marinated for a minimum of 16 hours before being delivered fresh to the outlet.This marinate increases the juiciness of the chicken meat and gives a mild, peppery flavour,” he explained.

“NeNe batter mix reduces the penetration of oil during the frying process, so the chicken meat is juicy and not oily, and the batter is crispy.

Not to mention the sauces available to coat the chicken, such as “swicy (sweet and a little spicy, our most popular sauce), freaking hot (very, very hot), garlic, (and) snowing cheese”.

Over the last 18 months, the brand has expanded to nine outlets across Australia with two more franchise outlets opening in Western Australia next month.

“In 2017 our goal is to expand to 20 outlets,” he said.

So what makes the NeNe franchise system different?

“I believe the key differential to our franchise system, is our genuine desire for our franchisees to feel that they are part of the NeNe family, that we all succeed together,” continued Godwin.

“Our franchise system is not ‘corporatised’ in so far as there is not a strategic goal to maximise sales at the cost of the franchisees’ businesses.

“Our dual focus is on customers enjoying the NeNe experience and our franchisees operating a successful business,” he added.

The initial investment of a NeNe Chicken franchise is $500,000 – $700,000 fully inclusive of site selection, training, post-opening on-site assistance, marketing and ongoing support as required. Construction of outlets are on a cost plus basis, not a turnkey basis. Godwin said this reduces the end cost to the franchisee as the franchisor does not generate any margins from shopfitters, architects, equipment suppliers etc.

Like the sound of a NeNe Chicken franchise? Find out more about becoming a franchisee.