Company FAQ

Who are we?
Hokkaido is a fast growing quick service desserts and beverages concept created to deliver the ultimate soft ice cream experience. Founded and run by a team of highly energetic, passionate and creative ice cream lovers, Hokkaido is committed to consistently delivering the best and most unique ice cream experience to our customers.

What makes us special?
Hokkaido is the market leader in exotic flavors and the best selling Maccha flavor is #1 in the market. Our customers keep on coming back for our unique taste and fun experience. All ice cream is freshly made in store everyday using the best ingredients available with attention to every single detail. Hokkaido has a highly loyal and expanding customer base.

Who owns Hokkaido?
Hokkaido is a wholly owned subsidiary of Yeono, a privately held company focusing on developing, marketing, managing and licensing mid to up market food service brands.

What is our Quality Statement
We are committed to building a long term business and brand value by applying the highest standard of excellence and the greatest attention to details in the selection and purchasing of the ingredients, and making and serving of the products.

How can I become a Hokkaido’s business partner?
You can become a Hokkaido’s business partner by becoming a Hokkaido’s Licensee.

What are the benefits to be a Hokkaido’s Licensee?

• You will have the opportunity to run your own business and reap the rewards that come from being responsible for your own success.
• You will receive the tools to help you succeed in your business, including support in various areas such as operations, training, advertising, marketing, real estate, leasing, renovation, purchasing and equipment.
• You will experience the joy that comes from working with people.
• You will enjoy personal satisfaction as an individual business owner.
• You will gain personal growth and business knowledge from our extensive training programs and your experience as a business owner.

What are the financial requirements to qualify for a Hokkaido’s License?
There are two ways to become a Hokkaido’s Licensee - start a new outlet from scratch or buy a ready-to-own concept store. Either way, you need to fulfill certain financial requirements to be a Hokkaido’s Licensee.

What kind of Licensing Package does Hokkaido offer?
The License fee starts from RM 30,000. You should also plan to invest between RM 80,000 to RM 120,000 to build, equip and stock your store. The costs also depend on the outlet size and type, its location, style of decor and landscaping.

What is not included in the Licensing Fee?

• Training Fee
• Deposit
• Rentals or Purchase of commercial lots

How long is the Licensing term?
The term of License is 5 years with option to renew for another 5 years.

Are there any ongoing service fees to be paid by the Licensees?
As in any Licensing system, Hokkaido’s Licensees are subjected to ongoing fees that consist of:

• Service Fee: 5% of the monthly gross sales
• Promotional Fee: 3-5% of the monthly gross sales

• Pre-opening assistance
• Grand opening assistance
• Outlet designs
• Operations manual
• Operational support
• Exclusive Training
• Site evaluation and selection assistance
• Marketing and promotional support
• Regular licensing audit
• Continuing support through regular visits and communication
• Advertising and Promotions
• Supply of key ingredients

What is the general Licensing procedure?

Stage One:  Licensee Selection

1. Complete and submit the pre-qualifying License Application Form
2. Review application
3. Shortlist prospective Licensee
4. Invite shortlisted Licensee for interview
5. Conduct preliminary discussions
6. Final discussions on terms and conditions
7. Sign the memorandum of agreement and pay the initial deposit
8. Confirm your acquisition of License within fourteen days from your date of signing
9. Award Licensing and Sign agreement

Stage Two: Preparation for Opening

1. Licensee orientation
2. Discuss site selection, design and renovation
3. Start renovation of premises
4. Set up equipment and machinery
5. Perform on site training
6. Prepare for grand opening

What are the requirements to be Hokkaido’s Licensees?

• Ability to fund the investment requirement
• Willing to be an Owner Operator
• Willing to devote the time to run the daily operations
• Willing to undergo an extensive full time training
• Willing to work within the licensor’s guidance
• Ready to put in the effort and responsibility to manage people, monitoring the finances, being a creative sales personnel as well as helping to foster great shopping environment in your outlet
• Must not and is not directly or indirectly affiliated or engaged in any similar business as Hokkaido or which may foresee to have conflict with such business

How many Hokkaido’s outlets are there in Malaysia currently?
Since our first outlet opened in Prangin Mall in Aug 2005, we now have three concept stores in Penang. We plan to expand to over 25 outlets in the next three years.

Why does Hokkaido want to License its business?
There are many individuals who want to be their own boss. We offer these individuals an opportunity to break free and own their own business while at the same time minimizing the risk that is inherent in opening an entirely new business from scratch. We allow you to follow a tried and tested business system which will greatly improve your chances of success. As a Hokkaido’s Licensee, you are in business for yourself but not by yourself.

Does Hokkaido provide or help secure finance to cover the initial Licensing cost?
No. We do not provide any financing. The initial cost may come from the Licensee’s own funds or financed through a traditional lending institution.

Can I purchase a Hokkaido License as an investor or sleeping partner?
We prefer not to grant License to investors or passive owners. An individual must personally meet the financial qualifications and be willing to devote his or her full time and best efforts to the day-to-day operations. However, we are willing to consider family funding provided that one family member is dedicated to running the operation on a full time basis.

How much money can I make as a Hokkaido’s Licensee?
We expect our Licensees to have good returns in the first few years. However, profitability also depends on a number of factors, including sales, location, occupancy and operating costs as well as the ability of the Licensee to manage and control the business.

Where do you get your key ingredients from?
Our key ingredients are sourced from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, and North America.

What are the products offered by Yeono Business Solutions?
The key products offered are soft serve machines and soft serve bases.

What are the services offered by Yeono Business Solutions?
The key services offered include business assistance and support, machine setup and support, and operation startup assistance and support.  

Who is Yeono Business Solutions’ target client?
Our target clients include:

• Prospective entrepreneurs who aspire to start an ice cream business but do not yet have the financial ability to operate a Hokkaido Store.
• Existing restaurant, café, food store, or canteen operators who wish to increase or diversify their revenue stream by introducing soft serve ice cream to the existing menu.