Press Release

KEO Restaurant founders Bill and Zahidah Hyman took their many years of franchisee experience and created the perfect franchise restaurant. Because they were once franchisee themselves, they know first hand the needs of their franchisees. With the best support system in place, the couple created the unique KEO Restaurant business concept with the focus on keeping each franchise location unique to the franchisee. 

In this Success Story Interview, we hear from the CEO and Founder of KEO Restaurant Bill Hyman. He talks to us about the increased interest in the Asian food segment and what makes KEO Restaurant stand out from other Asian cuisine franchises. Read on to learn more!

Can you tell us a little about the history of KEO Restaurant and the part you play in the franchise?

KEO opened the doors to its first restaurant in August, 2007. The combined years of franchise restaurant experience acquired by myself and my wife, Zahidah, made us privy to the ever changing market trends and the newly created demands of today’s sophisticated consumers. We recognized the growing trend toward healthy dining options and the preference for more choices. In addition, we noticed the increased popularity of the Asian cuisine category. Using our franchisee experience, we worked diligently on developing a franchise business model that would ensure not only the smooth operation both in the front and back room, but would answer the needs of today’s discrete millennials and baby boomers.

Tell us about what makes KEO Restaurant a proven franchise brand.

At KEO we look at franchising with a different perspective. Owning a franchise requires a huge commitment and quite often, the decision process involves a great deal of research and due diligence in not only determining what is the right choice for you, but one that will satisfy the needs and demands of your patrons. Many, if not most franchises are keen on promoting their brand, using their name to draw in their clientele. Take, for example, the major nationally franchised table service casual dining restaurants. Whether you’re in Omaha or Orlando, Phoenix of Peoria, the cookie-cutter concept is the rule of thumb. These establishments are synonymous with “franchises” and carry all the stigmas associated with such. At KEO, our focus is to develop the “local” restaurant concept. Our business model accentuates a flair, an ambiance that is found in privately, individually owned restaurants. Customers will leave a KEO never realizing they just ate in a franchise restaurant. This is but one aspect of what makes KEO so unique and distinctive.

What makes KEO Restaurant stand out from other Asian cuisine franchises?

This is an excellent question that plays right into the strengths of a KEO Restaurant. There are several factors to be considered before deciding that KEO is your right choice. First, are you interested in a quick or fast serve casual dining format? Do you want to specialize in any one type of Asian cuisine? If your answer is “yes” to either of these questions, KEO is not what you are looking for! However, if you want to capitalize on the fastest growing sub-class food category which is resonating so well with both the millennials and baby boomers, then your choice should be Asian-Fusion. The growing trend toward healthy dining options has been captured by KEO with our offering of the best dishes from a variety of Southeast Asia countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia. With all dishes made to order using only fresh ingredients and fused in traditional wok cooking manners, the combining of these cuisines represents the optimum Asian-Fusion offering. All this, served in a full service format, classy atmosphere, and at extremely affordable prices makes this a unique dining experience, one not normally associated with a franchise.

How has the industry changed since the franchise began?

Because of the increased popularity of the Asian cuisine food category, the franchise market has been saturated with companies trying to capitalize on this fast-paced trend. The focus has been within the fast or quick serve models, giving further distinction to KEO, separating us from the traditional franchise format. There are no other Asian-Fusion franchise restaurants that offer KEO’s concept of a modern ambiance, characteristic of only the most fashionable New York City restaurants. It has taken over 10 years to develop and perfect the KEO Restaurant franchise model. We anticipate our success will eventually spur others to take notice. We realize that duplication is the highest form of flattery, however, each year as we get better and better, the competition (when they do come on the scene) will always be forced to playing catch-up!

Are there specific demographics a KEO Restaurant franchise is best suited for?

Because of our menu selection and moderate pricing structure, KEO is ideal to satisfying both the lunch, dinner and after hours crowd. This flexibility provides a tremendous advantage to our franchisees and helps to enhance their business and sales opportunities. The popularity of the Asian-Fusion category has attracted the millennials as well as the baby boomers. Our fresh ingredients and healthy food choices also play heavily into the attraction and are very well received by not only the Asian culture, but all ethnicities. Because of KEO’s unique and distinctive concept and format, the restaurant is well suited for both the inner city and suburbia.

What kind of experience does a franchisee need to be successful?

Our well thought out program includes an extensive training regiment which helps to compensate for the lack of any previous restaurant experience. The element that will help ensure the franchisee’s success is their drive and dedication. The image they project should be one of self-ownership, with the care and attention shown to the patrons that will bring them back as repeat customers.

What are the steps for a prospective franchisee to getting the contract signed?

The uniqueness of a KEO franchise extends into the development process. We want to be looked upon as a family-run franchise. The buck stops with me and my wife, Zahidah. Our prospective franchisees join our family as the “infants” (for lack of a better analogy), and infants need special care, understanding, attention and guidance to be nurtured. That is how we treat our franchisees. In that regard, we are working with our dedicated Director of Franchise Sales, Steve Skolnick, whose responsibility it is to work with each franchisee, first, answering any questions related to any aspect of the franchise process. They are then assisted in completing the Franchise Application and executing a standard NDA. Each franchisee is furnished with comprehensive information that includes an explanation of our franchise programs; estimated initial investment; training schedule; and, for later use, the site feasibility form. The latter is used to help determine the best site for the restaurant. Along with the Franchise Agreement, the franchisee receives the FDD for their review. Once the contract is signed, the next phase of the development process begins, including the scheduling of the training.

What advantages does the KEO Restaurant business model offer?

This is not your ordinary franchise. With protected territories available, KEO becomes your “local” restaurant whose customer base represents a large portion of repeat business. Reiterating the many factors that set KEO apart: Full service (table service) model; Modern internal styling and ambiance as compared to classy, upscale scenes; Unique Asian-Fusion cuisine using fresh, authentic Asian ingredients; Easy to follow recipes eliminating need for a highly skilled chef; Extensive training program; Moderately priced menu; A tried and proven business model, over 10 years in development; Virtually no direct competition; Potential for a handsome return on your investment; Pre-Opening and Daily Operations Manuals; A restaurant concept with the potential for a relatively high ticket average; Site selection assistance; Lease Negotiations; Interior Design & Construction; Equipment and Supply packages; Grand Opening Marketing Campaigns; Comprehensive Initial and Ongoing Training; On-Site Support; Menu Development; Business Management System; Human Resource Training, and more…

What are some of KEO Restaurant’s biggest achievements?

Developing a system to “fuse” the cuisines of four Southeast Asia countries that could be easily followed in a franchise format took no less than 10 years to perfect. This, coupled with establishing a business model that would distinguish KEO from all others is a feat that should not go unrecognized. But the key element to all of this is…implementation. To run a smooth operation that offers fluid results is an accomplishment that we at KEO take particular pride in. It has worked for us and, with our help and assistance, it can and will work for you

What’s next for KEO Restaurant in terms of expansion?

KEO is anxious to transform their success and their exceptional concept to those who show a passion for the Asian-Fusion cuisine culture and are looking to make a difference in their local community. This is a franchise opportunity unlike any other. KEO’s unique menu items offer exceptional value and our warm hospitality and welcoming ambiance generates the air of personalization. This genuine experience helps to forge a strong relationship with our customers.