Filipinos love Korean food, especially samgyeopsal. Samgyupsalamat has been a trailblazer in the Unlimited Korean BBQ restaurant scene with long queues of Filipino patrons. It’s evident that samgyeopsal has captured the hearts and taste buds of many.
Engr. Daryl Dexter Julio is the board of director and franchise director of Samgyupsalamat, which now has 79 branches nationwide and growing. He is a Chinese-Filipino who was born and raised in Tacloban, and their family business is also a franchisee of leading Food and Beverages companies such as Dunkin and Shakey’s. Dexter learned the values of hard work and hands-on involvement from a young age, especially in their franchised restaurant operations.
In 2018, Dexter, along with his two shobes, saw a promising opportunity in the Unlimited Korean Barbecue trend and decided to franchise Samgyupsalamat. Recognizing the brand’s rising popularity and potential, they became early adopters of this concept. Their first branch as a Franchisee of Samgyupsalamat back in 2018 and decided to franchise more. Encouraged by its success, they decided to open more branches.
“We took the bold step of acquiring Samgyupsalamat,” Dexter stated. Building on their success as franchisees, and despite the challenges amidst a pandemic, Dexter and his shobes took a significant step in 2022 and became the franchisors of Samgyupsalamat.
Here are the seven tips from Samyupsalamat Tao Ke if you’re considering franchising a business:
Evaluate If You Share The Same Vision
Before franchising a business, it’s crucial to assess whether the personal values and business goals align with those of the franchisor. Understanding and embracing the company’s culture and vision will help aspiring franchisees to operate the franchise more effectively and enjoyably.
“Evaluate if you fit the culture and share the vision of the company you are planning to franchise”. Dexter explained. Operating a franchise is not just about following a business model; it’s about becoming part of a larger community or brand. If you resonate with the company’s culture and vision, you’re more likely to be motivated and dedicated to its success.
No Guarantee of Success
While franchising offers a proven business model, it does not automatically guarantee success. Even with a successful brand, individual franchisee success depends on various factors like location, competition, management, and local market conditions.
Dexter said, “Understand that franchising is not a guarantee and you still need to put in a lot of hard work and commitment for your franchise store to succeed.” It’s essential to approach franchising with realistic expectations and be prepared to put in the necessary effort.
Location Matters
“As cliché as this sounds, the most important thing is LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!” He stressed the importance of the franchise company’s location because it plays a vital role in its success. The right location can attract more customers and offer better visibility, leading to higher foot traffic and sales.
Research the Franchisor
Knowing the brand before franchising helps determine whether or not the brand is just a short-term type or has long-term viability, adaptability, and growth potential. “Look into the franchisor’s character, history, and track record,” he exclaimed. Understanding the franchisor’s background and reputation can give you insights into their business practices, support for franchisees, and overall stability.
Passion for the Product/Service
Passion is what drives people to do something. Dexter believes that how passionate a franchise tao ke can show how they run their business. “Only franchise products and services that you yourself love, patronize, and believe in,” he said.
Patience for ROI
Building a successful franchise takes time. Have a long-term perspective and be prepared to invest both
time and money without expecting immediate profits. “Do not franchise just because you don’t know what to do with your extra money and expect instant returns on your investments.” He added that franchising a business does not mean you can just sit back and relax; franchisees should be fully committed and willing to put in the work and embrace the brand as their own.
Connect with Franchisees
“Reach out to current franchisees to learn from their experiences and get valuable insights before making your decision, ” Dexter shared. Current franchisees can provide valuable firsthand information and advice that can help you make an informed decision. Their experiences can give you a realistic view of what to expect and how to navigate challenges effectively.
Learn more about Daryl Dexter Julio, the board of director and franchise director of Samgyupsalamat, in our exclusive interview: