2018
7
$252,000
$25,000
$423,500
No
Imagine stepping into a fast-casual concept that pairs bold Korean-Fried-Chicken flavors with modern American convenience. That’s exactly what Holdaak brings to the table. With its playful motto “Fry Now, Cry Later”, Holdaak delivers a compelling combination of crave-worthy fried chicken sandwiches, elevated sides, and a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to millennials, Gen Z, and families alike. Originally crafted to disrupt the standard QSR model, Holdaak has built a reputation for high-quality ingredients, innovative flavours (think Korean spice blends, savory/sweet sauces, and premium buns) and a streamlined operation enabling pick-up, delivery, and catering.
In today’s U.S. market—where consumers continuously seek novel food experiences and crave authenticity—Holdaak stands out. It’s not just another fried-chicken shop; it’s a menu that tells a story of cross-cultural flavor, a brand that blends Korean flair with American energy, and a business model built for fast-casual growth. For franchisees, that means leveraging a distinct niche, capitalizing on the growing demand for chicken sandwiches, and riding the wave of rising consumer interest in global cuisine. If you're looking to invest in a visible, scalable food brand with attitude and flavor, Holdaak offers a strong platform to build from.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Differentiated concept – You’re not competing with yet another chicken wing bar or neighborhood fried-chicken shop. Holdaak’s Far-East inspired menu brings real uniqueness.
Growing market category – The fried-chicken sandwich sector continues to rise in the U.S., and fast-casual chicken formats are capturing market share from legacy players.
Strong brand momentum – While still emerging, Holdaak has already made inroads and is ready for expansion across multiple U.S. territories.
Operational scalability – With a focused menu, simplified kitchen footprint, and emphasis on off-premise (take-out & delivery) channels, the model supports high throughput and efficient operations.
Marketing appeal – The brand’s bold flavour story, youth-friendly vibe, and social-media-friendly visuals provide strong hooks for local marketing. Franchisees benefit from a systemized brand platform.
Resilience for changing habits – As dine-in habits shift and consumers embrace convenience, Holdaak’s design accommodates high-volume take-out and delivery, positioning franchisees well for current trends.
Support structure – Franchisees gain from pre-launch training, site selection assistance, marketing launch programs, and ongoing operational coaching.
Founded: Holdaak was incorporated as Holdaak F & B Inc. on December 21, 2018.
Concept launch: The first location opened in Fullerton, California.
Headquarters: Based in Fullerton, California.
Franchise rollout: The brand began offering franchises in 2020.
U.S. footprint: As per public disclosures, the U.S. location count is modest (around 7 units as of recent data).
Industry category: The business falls under the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) / Fast-Casual “Restaurant & Food” segment—specifically a premium chicken sandwich concept.
Brand journey: From a single chef-driven concept in California to franchising ambition, Holdaak has defined itself via a combination of Korean frying technique, bold sauces, and rapid-service convenience.
Ownership: Founded and operated by Holdaak F & B Inc., franchising through the parent organization.
Market presence: While still early in the U.S., the brand is positioned for wider expansion. Early franchise disclosures indicate territories available and an appetite for accelerated growth in states beyond California.
Positioning: Positioned as a premium fast-casual chicken brand—not just “fried chicken” but something differentiated by global flavour inspiration, speed, affordability, and modern design.
Holdaak’s franchise support is designed to guide a new owner from site selection to successful opening and ongoing operation. Key areas of support include:
Site selection assistance – The franchisor works with you to identify locations aligned with brand demographics, traffic patterns, and cost metrics.
Lease negotiation guidance and build-out standards – You’ll receive architectural, interior-design specifications, kitchen layout plans, and branding guidelines to maintain the Holdaak look and feel.
Operational setup – Includes equipment lists, technology integration (point-of-sale, kitchen displays, back-office reporting), and supply-chain sourcing guidelines.
Marketing launch planning – The system provides a launch playbook: local marketing plan, grand-opening guidance, social-media templates, press outreach suggestions, and community partnership ideas.
Initial training program – Franchisees and key staff attend training at corporate headquarters covering kitchen operations, food preparation, service standards, health & safety, POS systems, and customer experience.
Operational manuals & procedures – Detailed documentation for every aspect of the business—recipes, supplier standards, food safety protocols, staffing models, ordering procedures, inventory management, and daily close-out processes.
Marketing resources – Access to corporate marketing collateral, national brand campaigns, social-media toolkits, and co-op/local marketing guidance.
Ongoing support – After launch, the franchisor typically provides field visits, performance reviews, regular webinars, updated training modules, and peer franchisee groups or forums for sharing best practices.
Technology & reporting – Franchisees receive access to network-wide dashboards showing sales, labor, food cost, marketing ROI, and other key performance metrics.
Menu innovation & supply chain – Holdaak maintains relationships with approved suppliers, monitors quality standards, and rolls out new flavors or limited-time offers across the system.
Franchisees benefit from the national brand presence, digital ordering systems (pick-up, delivery), and marketing programs that drive brand awareness.
Local store marketing support includes guidance on social-media engagement, influencer partnerships, community events, and localized promotions.
To succeed with Holdaak, the ideal franchisee is someone who meets several key criteria:
Entrepreneurial mindset – Passionate about food and service, motivated to build a local brand presence, and committed to delivering consistent quality.
Operational or management experience – Prior restaurant experience is a plus, but not required. Experience in managing teams, driving operations, and maintaining standards is beneficial.
Solid financial capacity – You must have sufficient capital to invest and support operations during the ramp-up phase, with the ability to sustain through the initial period of growth.
Location focus – Interest in active territory development, especially in high-traffic, high-visibility areas such as metropolitan suburbs, retail centers, or downtown districts.
Community-oriented mindset – Value engagement with your neighborhood, local promotions, and events to boost visibility and loyalty.
Growth-oriented ambition – Multi-unit potential is encouraged. Franchisees with long-term expansion goals align well with Holdaak’s growth strategy.
Customer-service focus – Commitment to brand standards, high food-safety compliance, and exceptional guest experience are essential for success.
| Item | Estimated Cost / Fee |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 (single unit) |
| Estimated Total Initial Investment | $252,000 to $423,500 (includes franchise fee, build-out, and pre-opening costs) |
| Minimum Liquid Assets | Around $400,000 |
| Minimum Net Worth | Around $800,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund Fee | 1% of gross sales |
| Working Capital | 3-6 months of operating reserve recommended |
| Expected Revenue Streams | Dine-in, take-out, delivery, catering, and branded merchandise |
| Break-Even Period | Typically within 12-24 months (varies by location and execution) |
