Established
2016
Franchise Units
25
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$650,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Ponko Chicken franchise brings a fresh, crave-worthy twist to the fast-casual chicken segment by blending Japanese flavors with American comfort food. Known for its signature Japanese-style fried chicken, hand-breaded tenders, and bold house-made sauces, Ponko Chicken has built a strong following among younger, experience-driven diners who value quality, flavor, and brand authenticity.
Positioned squarely in the high-growth fast-casual category, Ponko Chicken delivers a simplified menu, efficient kitchen operations, and strong unit-level economics. The brand stands out in a crowded chicken market by offering a differentiated culinary concept rather than competing solely on price. With a modern store design, high takeout and delivery appeal, and a culture rooted in hospitality and consistency, Ponko Chicken has quickly gained traction across the United States.
For entrepreneurs seeking a scalable food franchise with a unique identity, operational efficiency, and growing national recognition, Ponko Chicken presents a compelling investment opportunity in one of the most resilient segments of the restaurant industry.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
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Differentiated Concept – Japanese-inspired fried chicken sets Ponko Chicken apart from traditional chicken chains.
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Fast-Casual Growth Segment – Strong demand for quick-service meals with premium taste and quality.
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Streamlined Operations – Focused menu, efficient prep, and optimized kitchen flow reduce complexity.
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Strong Brand Appeal – Modern branding resonates with millennials and Gen Z customers.
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Multiple Revenue Channels – Dine-in, takeout, third-party delivery, catering, and digital ordering.
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Scalable Model – Suitable for single-unit owners and multi-unit operators looking to expand regionally.
Background
Established Year: 2016
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Founders: Rick and Dorothy Ross
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Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Fried Chicken
Ponko Chicken was founded in Atlanta with a simple but powerful idea: bring authentic Japanese-style fried chicken to the American fast-casual market. What began as a local concept quickly gained popularity due to its bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and welcoming neighborhood-store vibe.
The brand’s journey has been driven by disciplined growth, focusing on unit profitability, operational consistency, and strong franchisee support rather than rapid overexpansion. Today, Ponko Chicken operates 25+ active franchise units across multiple U.S. states, with continued interest from entrepreneurs seeking territory development opportunities.
Support Training
Ponko Chicken offers comprehensive, hands-on support designed to help franchisees launch confidently and operate efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and territory evaluation
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Restaurant layout and kitchen design assistance
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Pre-opening project management and timeline planning
Training Program
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In-depth operational training at corporate locations
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Food preparation, quality control, and safety standards
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POS systems, inventory management, and labor scheduling
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Customer service, brand culture, and leadership training
Marketing & Brand Support
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Grand opening marketing strategy and launch campaigns
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Digital marketing guidance, social media playbooks, and local store marketing
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Ongoing brand-level promotions and menu rollouts
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Access to approved creative assets and brand standards
Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business consultants
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Regular operational audits and performance reviews
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Continuous menu innovation and product development
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Ongoing education, webinars, and system updates
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Ponko Chicken franchisee is a motivated entrepreneur or operator who values quality, consistency, and community engagement.
Best Suited For:
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Owner-operators or semi-absentee investors
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Individuals with restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit management experience
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Entrepreneurs passionate about food, guest experience, and team leadership
Key Traits & Capabilities:
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Strong business acumen and people-management skills
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Willingness to follow proven systems and brand standards
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Adequate financial resources to support build-out and working capital
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Interest in developing one or multiple units within a defined territory
Location Preference:
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High-traffic retail corridors
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Urban and suburban neighborhoods
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College towns and mixed-use developments
Financial Detail
All figures are approximate and may vary by location and market conditions.
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Total Investment Required: $350,000 – $650,000
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Minimum Investment Required: $350,000
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Franchise Fee: $40,000
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Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit development available
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: $180,000 – $300,000
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Equipment & Signage: $90,000 – $140,000
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Initial Marketing Budget: $10,000 – $20,000
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Working Capital: $40,000 – $70,000
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Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales
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Marketing Fee: 2% of gross sales
