News

Kono USA introduces 'Kono To-Go' brand

Kono USA has expanded its brand portfolio with the addition of "Kono To-Go" — Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets.

February 23, 2016

Kono USA, the franchisor that introduced the pizza-in-a-cone concept to the United States in 2013 as "The Original" Kono Pizza, has expanded its brand portfolio with the addition of "Kono To-Go" — Fresh Eats, Treats & Sweets. The first two Kono To-Go locations are slated to open in mid-April in Dallas and Baltimore, according to a company press release.

The introduction of the new brand follows growth in 2015, at existing Kono Pizza locations and more than 40 franchise agreements for new mobile carts, kiosks and in-line units at malls, Walmart stores and other high-traffic venues. In 2016, the company is on track to add 75-100 locations across the country.

Both "The Original" Kono Pizza and the new Kono To-Go franchises offer the same variety of products, including breakfast, deli, pizza and dessert items, all served in freshly-baked dough cones. Items are prepared using ingredients inspired by original Italian recipes and baked in three minutes in the brand's proprietary oven. However, with the introduction of Kono To-Go, franchisees will now have the flexibility to open with either name, depending on which one best suits their market. Franchisees can also choose between traditional brick-and=mortar stores, kiosks, mobile carts, in-line stores, or a combination of the models, the release stated.

Kono USA Co-Founder David Ragosa said the company takes a "chameleon" approach that allows for evolution and adaptability.

"Our franchisees get the best of both worlds – they receive strong operating systems and the support of a national franchisor, with tremendous flexibility to attract customers with different preferences, and increase profitability by catering to different market segments," he said.

In addition to a corporate-owned kiosk location in the Newport Centre Mall in New Jersey, the first two "The Original" Kono Pizza franchised kiosks opened in 2015, and additional multi-unit deals were signed in Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; and Dallas with more than 40 "The Original" Kono Pizza and Kono To-Go locations in various stages of development.

"The introduction of Kono To-Go and its tagline emphasizes the portability of our products and positions us as a one-stop shop for either a meal during any part of the day, a perfect snack between meals, or a treat to satisfy a sweet tooth," said Carlo Ruggiero, co-founder. "For years there have been the same offerings to on-the-go consumers at malls and other busy venues. We offer a fresh and unique alternative."