KOTO OVERVIEW

Over the last 21 years, KOTO has changed the lives of over 1000 street kids and disadvantaged youths.

Delivering a 2 year hospitality, English and life skills course to prepare the students to become chefs/managers at five star hotels, restaurants, business owners, social entrepreneurs and trainers.

The investment in these groups of vulnerable kids is not only returning in 100% job placement, but the impacts that they made on their family, the industry and community are incalculable and work toward the long term sustainability of KOTO and the community.

KOTO IN TIMES OF COVID

Following the covid19 outbreak in Vietnam in March, KOTO Van Mieu restaurant had to close for 6 weeks following the government’s social distancing directives.

Since it reopened, the business has been extremely difficult due to the international border closure. In fact, 90% of KOTO’s customers are foreign tourists.

The business revenue streams usually cover approximately 60% of the total operating budget, KOTO has been hit hard by this pandemic.

Facing this disruption, KOTO, very quickly, has tried to be more innovative by building a new business model/concept and diversifying products/services - for instance through providing delivery, developing catering services partnerships, building more joint ventures with corporates; balancing between local, expats and international customers to ensure the regular customers to the restaurant to have different income sources.

NEW RESTAURANT VENUE IN WEST LAKE DISTRICT

The decision was made to close down the KOTO restaurant on Van Mieu street – which is most popular for tourists. This strategic move will allow KOTO to save costs and better adapt to the covid19 situation, by shifting from targeting foreign tourists to expats and residents.

The new restaurant will be located in the West Lake district of Hanoi, an affluent neighborhood where foreigners and wealthy Vietnamese reside.

The villa was once occupied by an ambassador. It was a residential house - the house has never been leased for commercial purposes before. The new look KOTO villa plays on the "home " feel so when people dine they will experience the unique ambiance and incredible food for a good cause.

Because high rise apartments and shopping centers have entered the area, the street and adjacent streets to the KOTO Vila have recently undergone a large widening of the roads. Growth in the area and demand for accommodation has sky rocketed, it is predicted that more and more F and B outlets will soon open up.

KOTO has hired experienced marketing consultants to advise the team on the new concept, food menu, marketing strategies of the new restaurant and assist the team in the relocation process.

PROJECTS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF ICF

Funding the new kitchen and restaurant equipment
BUDGET £35,000

As KOTO ran their previous restaurant for 21 years, the old facilities have depreciated and they need to be upgraded.

The new business model requires more equipment in both the kitchen and the bar.

KOTO will focus more on its bakery, bar and international cuisine and thus needs to have the right equipment and utensils to help provide a high quality of products and services to their customers.

The new kitchen will allow the students to be trained in a professional working environment which is vital for their ongoing careers and placements.

Training & Development for staff and trainees
Budget £20,000

In moving away from simply catering for the tourist market KOTO’s staff and trainees need to acquire a higher level of both technical and soft skills.

This investment in training and development would focus to give them relevant skills for the bakery, food design, furthering bartending skills and knowledge of wine etc.

The outcomes of this program would allow KOTO to bring the best customer service and products to their locals and expats who dine at the restaurant and help KOTO secure sustainable revenue. It will also prep the students in all necessary aspects of the industry to be ready to embrace their new journey after KOTO.

Restaurant renovation and staff/trainees’ uniforms. New look & feel.
Budget: £15,000

KOTO have found their new building in West Lake district - where it’s known as a community of expats and wealthy locals.

The new clientele will be regular guests who return often. The restaurant needs renovation for a new look and feel and new uniforms need to be purchased for the staff and trainees so that the professional look aligns with our ambience, services and products.