Tag Archive for KORUS FTA

News: Mad for Garlic Looks West For International Expansion

July 21, 2013 general Comments Off on News: Mad for Garlic Looks West For International Expansion

Italian fare with a Korean twist–Brand Plans Expansion into US Market

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) July 18, 2013 — Mad For Garlic, one of Korea’s most popular restaurant chains, has announced plans to bring its handcrafted artisanal Italian cuisine into the US and North American markets. In recent years, South Korea has become well known for its remarkable economic growth and a cultural trend called ‘Korean Wave”, with Korean cultural exports and innovations in film, music and cuisine popular worldwide.

Originated in Korea in 2001, Mad for Garlic’s creative preparation method of removing the garlic’s pungent smell and unique way of cooking Italian cuisine with a Korean twist have won the hearts of both garlic and non-garlic lovers. Mad For Garlic is known for its unique and innovative menu with garlic-specialized Italian cuisine served in an atmosphere of medieval European rustic tavern.

Steak Mad for Garlic Don Southerton
Mad For Garlic

“Mad For Garlic is now ready to expand our base of operations to new markets outside Asia,” said CEO and Founder Caroline C. Nam. “We believe that North America is ready for Mad For Garlic – we offer about 50 menu items and every dish has something in common – they are all about garlic. Mad for Garlic aims to present customers with an exquisite harmony of garlic and wine by pairing quality wines. “

With unique signature dishes such as Dracula Killer, Garlic Snowing Pizza, Garlicpeno Pasta, Mushroom Risotto and Garlic Steak that have gained cult followings in Korea and Asia, Mad For Garlic looks to offer food lovers worldwide a truly unique “Garlic-licious” dining experience that is different from other restaurants.

To spearhead its North American expansion, Mad For Garlic has partnered with Bridging Culture Worldwide (BCW), a global consulting firm that focuses on Korea facing business ventures.

“Mad For Garlic is currently looking for developers in the United States, and we are thrilled to assist in finding the right partners for the brand,” said Don Southerton, CEO of BCW. “If a developer meets our criteria, which includes the financial resources to fund a multi-unit development plan, we’d love to talk further about Mad For Garlic.”

Specific franchise requirements may vary from country to country. Mad For Garlic does not grant franchise rights or explore joint venture agreements without meeting potential partners in person. For more information contact Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com.

About Mad For Garlic
Since its establishment in 1995, Seoul-based SUN AT FOOD and our leading brand, Mad for Garlic has set the highest standards in culinary excellence and innovation. SUN AT FOOD is a global dining company and has received numerous accolades through the years for its outstanding performance. We are currently on track with our goal to create the globally dominant restaurant network and serve the world a unique and unforgettable taste of life.
Visit http://www.madforgarlic.co.kr

About Bridging Culture Worldwide
Since its founding, Bridging Culture Worldwide has focused on global Korea-facing business services. Based on over 3 decades of experience, we provide cross-cultural insights to global teams and management. Bridging Culture Worldwide core services include: Market entry, Consulting, Strategy, and Research. Visit http://www.bridgingculture.com 

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US Korea Connect–Trade in Ideas: A Hidden Benefit of KORUS FTA

May 5, 2013 Education Comments Off on US Korea Connect–Trade in Ideas: A Hidden Benefit of KORUS FTA

Don Southerton US Korea Connect

by Don Southerton April 30, 2013
I have long followed and supported both successful market entry of Korean business into the US and American firms to Korea. This mutual success has centered on product, retail and quick service restaurants, with limited opportunities in the service sectors. The KORUS FTA will make a huge change in this exchange. In the area of services, I see KORUS FTA as a game changer.

A few weeks ago, United States Secretary of State John Kerry visited Korea and spoke about the importance of trade between our two nations. This month, President Park will visit the White House to reaffirm our countries’ mutual commitment and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Korea strategic alliance. Since its implementation last year, the KORUS FTA has given that alliance a new dynamic. One area of the agreement that should receive more attention is trade in services.
At its core, trade in services is trade in ideas. Whether legal, financial, technical, or in the tourism industry, the services exchanged between the U.S. and Korea expand mutual access to highly skilled talent. That talent is vital in generating the ideas that will define our economies tomorrow. In fact, today’s leaders in the U.S. service industries are using the KORUS FTA to recruit and nurture that talent.

Unlike the banking and insurance sectors, non-Korean legal and accounting firms faced entry barriers prior to the KORUS FTA. Today, American law firms like Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton are able to open offices in Korea under the KORUS agreement. Law firm Ropes and Gray, Another U.S. Korea Connect success story, sees their new ability to open physical locations in Korea as a way to show their dedication to Korean clients.

Outside the obvious benefits to service related firms, under the KORUS FTA, U.S. businesses are generating and exchanging ideas more freely. But the best is yet to come. American companies have expressed the need to hire additional Korean professionals to help them navigate the Korean marketplace. Professional visa reforms under consideration by the U.S. Congress will fulfill that still unmet need, allowing companies to take greater advantage of the KORUS FTA.

As the pace of business quickens, service providers need a regulatory framework that provides them maximum flexibility. A fluid business mechanism that promotes and enhances innovative ideas is essential for prosperity in both countries. That’s precisely what the KORUS FTA does for the service industry.

About Don Southerton
Don Southerton has held a life-long interest in Korea and the rich culture of the country. He has authored numerous publications with topics centering on the Korean auto industry, new urbanism, entrepreneurialism, and early U.S.-Korean business ventures. Southerton is often called upon by the media (the BBC World Service, CNN Fortune, Bloomberg TV, Korea Herald, Korea Times, Yonhap, Wall Street Journal, Forbes) to comment on modern Korean business culture and its impact on global organizations. His firm Bridging Culture Worldwide provides strategy, consulting and training to Korea-based global business.

Link to Article
http://www.uskoreaconnect.org/blog/2013/04/trade-in-ideas-a-hidden-benefit-of-korus-fta/

 

 

Special Korea Business Event–World Trade Center San Diego

May 5, 2012 general One comment

By Don Southerton, Editor
I’ll be guest speaker on Wednesday May 9, 2012 at the World Trade Center San Diego Asia Desk Business Series: Korea. Also speaking at the event will be Moonsung Kang, Ph.D, from Korea University’s Division of International Studies.

I’ll be sharing insights into how to benefit from the U.S–Korean Free Trade Agreement, including finding the right Korean partner, structuring your market entry strategy, and ways to avoid common pitfalls.

For more information, see http://www.wtcsd.org/events/wtcsd-calendar?eventId=471806&EventViewMode=EventDetails

About Don Southerton

When Fortune 500 companies, top Korean Groups, leading international law firms, and elite consultancies, such as Bain and Monitor, look for Korean-facing business strategy, coaching, and advice—they turn to Bridging Culture Worldwide and Don Southerton. With over 35 years’ experience, Don Southerton is the definitive authority on Korean-facing global business–from automotive, golf, and QSR sectors to New Urbanism and Green technology. When problems and challenges surface in development, launch, or fulfillment, we provide sound solutions and comprehensive strategies.

Initial Consultation
Dsoutherton@ bridgingculture.com
+1-310-866-3777