Poko Chick Eyes Gulf Markets

Let us find out more about Desi chicken varieties in Dubai from this interview with Kerala-based Chefprenuer, Virad Krishna, MD of Poko Chick. He made his entrepreneurial debut with the launch of QSR (quick-service restaurant) Brand POKO CHICK, and has devised a strategy to Launch Chicken outlets across Gulf cities in the next couple of years.

1. How did you enter the franchise business?

Established in 2018, in South Indian markets with  20 plus Desi Chicken varieties of chicken with a localized choice for consumers, Virad basically wants to Indianize the taste of serving grilled and fried chicken.

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

There are a lot of chicken brands across Indian and Pan Asian markets. I thought the Indian flavors across its states have the potential to develop a Desi brand of chicken. That was the initial start.

Poko Chicken promises to offer an assorted mix of Indian chicken items across 15 states in Indian, in a range of flavors and eventually plans to broaden the basket. “We will do different flavors of chicken, not just the basic crispy fried. We have come up with Punjabi, Tandoori, Malabari, Kashmiri and Real Travancore flavors. We also make tandoori chicken because that’s what really sells here.

3. What inspired the brand name?

Poko means a person who is close to you, someone you trust, happy when they are around..

4. What is the story behind the brand’s logo?

Logo of Poko Chick themed as a fun and family friendly eatery place.

5. What makes your brand different from your competitors?

We have a unique product range. Together with our commitment to make POKO Chick  we are confident that the POKO CHICK’s  concept under a comprehensive franchise system can be replicated successfully in other parts of the Gulf and pan Asian markets.

6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?

When choosing a franchisee, our company primarily looks at these criteria’s

• Business Background
• F&B experience is an advantage
• Passionate about food & beverage

7. How long does it take, on average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?

6 to 9 month.

8. What was the major challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

Covid-19 is the biggest challenge. Since we had to re-plan our business plan in 2020 and 2021, our franchise expansion have been put on hold.

9. How does your business day start?

The working day starts with fresh cup of tea, news and meeting with my colleagues.

10. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?

When we signed a Franchise Agreement with our first franchisee

11. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

My vision is to grow the franchise as well as gain even more franchisees and franchisors as friends.

12. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?

Franchise in my opinion is the best method to develop a business in the world.

Fundamentally, the idea of franchising is a business marriage between existing businesses and newcomers to the entrepreneurial scene.

In order to achieve a  high level of  success,  each Franchisee must adhere to the proven reliable and valid system of operating procedures. A thorough working  knowledge of the vision, objectives, policies and procedures, and a commitment to safeguard the interest of all franchisees are also key determinants of success.

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