Didim, Casual Chinese Restaurant '100nyeonga Gonghwachun' Franchise Inquiries Surge... "Over 50 Letters of Intent Written in 3 Days"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] The entry of Didim, a dining franchise company, into the Chinese food market is gaining rapid momentum. The casual Chinese food franchise '100nyeonga Gonghwachun,' which opened its first store in Mapo last July, has received over 50 brand review intention letters within just three days, the company announced.

Didim explained that at the recent 'IFS Franchise Startup Expo' held at COEX in Gangnam, there were 53 cases of brand review intention letters submitted at a pre-contract level, and 85 cases of detailed consultations recorded.

'100nyeonga Gonghwachun' is a brand that reimagines the famous Chinese restaurant 'Gonghwachun' in Incheon Chinatown into a casual Chinese style. It operates on a central kitchen system that supplies ingredients prepared at the headquarters, making it easy for anyone to start a business. The first store in Mapo, opened last July, has become known as a popular local restaurant, so much so that customers must take a waiting number without a reservation. Recently, Jonathan, a trending broadcaster, was selected as the advertising model to build a young and trendy brand image.

In particular, amid the sharp rise in real estate loan interest rates, they are offering a groundbreaking promotion of 'monthly rent support' for new franchisees.

The company expects '100nyeonga Gonghwachun' to be Didim's second leap following the success of 'New Mapo Galmaegi' and 'Yeonan Sikdang.' A representative from Didim's franchise business division stated, “The sales of the first Mapo store demonstrate the potential success of casual Chinese food. The long-prepared recipe is being recognized as Chinese cuisine that suits consumer preferences, which seems to be triggering demand for franchises. With major commercial areas already fully booked, if the current trend continues, about 20 franchise stores could open within the next two months by the end of the year.”