Established
2010
Franchise Units
2
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$700,000
Home Based
No
Description
TaKorean is a bold, culture-driven fast-casual restaurant concept that fuses the rich, savory flavors of Korean cuisine with the comfort and familiarity of Mexican street food. Built on the idea that food should be exciting, accessible, and deeply rooted in culture, TaKorean has carved out a unique position in the competitive U.S. fast-casual dining space.
The brand is best known for its crave-worthy tacos, burritos, bowls, and sliders filled with Korean BBQ proteins like bulgogi, kalbi, and spicy pork, balanced with fresh slaws, house-made sauces, and vibrant toppings. This East-meets-West menu approach resonates strongly with younger, urban consumers who actively seek global flavors and chef-inspired street food experiences.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in TaKorean means aligning with a brand that thrives at the intersection of flavor innovation, fast-casual efficiency, and modern consumer trends.
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Highly Differentiated Concept: Korean-Mexican fusion stands out in crowded food markets and avoids direct competition with traditional taco or Asian chains.
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Strong Consumer Demand: Global flavors, street food formats, and customizable menus continue to dominate fast-casual dining trends across the U.S.
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Efficient Operations: Limited menu complexity, fast cook times, and simplified prep support lower labor costs and higher throughput.
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Scalable Format: The concept adapts well to urban storefronts, food courts, college areas, and high-footfall neighborhoods.
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Brand Story & Culture: TaKorean’s roots in street food culture and chef-driven creativity create emotional connection and brand loyalty.
Background
Established Year: TaKorean was founded in 2010.
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Founders: The brand was created by chefs inspired by Korean flavors and the accessibility of Mexican street food, launching initially as a food truck concept.
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Brand Journey & History: What began as a single food truck quickly gained cult popularity, leading to brick-and-mortar locations and a recognizable presence in the fast-casual dining scene. The brand evolved by refining its menu, operational systems, and visual identity while staying true to its street-food roots.
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Ownership: TaKorean operates under private ownership with a focus on sustainable growth and brand consistency.
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Franchise Active Units: 2
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Market Presence in the USA: TaKorean has established itself as a niche but influential player in the fast-casual restaurant segment, particularly in metro areas with diverse, food-forward audiences.
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Industry Category: Fast-Casual Restaurant / Korean Fusion / Mexican-Inspired Street Food.
Support Training
TaKorean offers structured, hands-on support designed to help franchise partners launch confidently and operate successfully.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and location evaluation
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Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and equipment planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain onboarding
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Assistance with permits, licensing, and pre-opening requirements
Training & Operations
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Comprehensive initial training covering food preparation, recipes, quality control, and safety standards
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Front-of-house and back-of-house operational systems
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Labor scheduling, inventory control, and cost management training
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POS systems and daily reporting guidance
Marketing & Brand Support
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Brand identity guidelines and in-store marketing assets
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Grand opening marketing strategy and launch campaigns
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Social media playbooks and local store marketing tactics
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Ongoing promotional support and menu innovation updates
Ongoing Support
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Regular operational reviews and performance benchmarking
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Continued training updates and system improvements
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Access to franchisor support teams for operations and marketing
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New product rollouts and seasonal menu support
Ideal Candidate
TaKorean is best suited for motivated entrepreneurs who value brand culture, food quality, and operational excellence.
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Business Background: Experience in food service, hospitality, retail management, or multi-unit operations is beneficial but not mandatory.
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Entrepreneurial Mindset: Hands-on operators or investor-operators with strong leadership and people management skills.
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Passion for Food & Culture: Appreciation for global flavors, street food, and modern dining concepts.
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Financial Capability: Ability to meet investment requirements and maintain sufficient working capital during ramp-up.
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Location Preference: Urban, suburban, or high-traffic areas with strong lunch and dinner demand, including downtown cores, college towns, and mixed-use developments.
Financial Detail
All figures are indicative and may vary by location, size, and market conditions.
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Total Investment Required: Approximately USD 350,000 – USD 700,000
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Minimum Investment: Around USD 350,000
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Franchise Fee: Estimated USD 30,000 – USD 40,000
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Franchise Units: Single-unit and multi-unit opportunities available
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Infrastructure & Build-Out Cost: USD 180,000 – USD 350,000
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Equipment & Fixtures: USD 80,000 – USD 150,000
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Marketing & Launch Budget: USD 10,000 – USD 25,000
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Working Capital: USD 50,000 – USD 100,000
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Royalty Fees: Typically around 5%–6% of gross sales
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Marketing Fees: Approximately 2%–3% of gross sales
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Expected ROI: Competitive within the fast-casual segment, driven by strong margins and repeat business
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Break-Even Time: Commonly estimated between 18–30 months
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Potential Revenue Streams: Dine-in, takeout, delivery platforms, catering, and limited-time menu offerings
