Entering the Second Year, Mangkokku is Getting Bigger and Will Open 35 Stores in Sumatra and Kalimantan

Kapanlagi.com - Entering the third year of its culinary journey, Mangkokku strengthens its commitment to become the largest and leading culinary startup in Indonesia. Mangkokku also announces three collaboration programs in celebration of its second anniversary, which coincides with the anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.

Since its opening in 2019 by Randy Kartadinata, Chef Arnold Poernomo, Kaesang Pangarep, and Gibran Rakabuming, Mangkokku has grown to become one of the largest culinary startups in Indonesia.

Currently, Mangkokku has 40 outlets spread across Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi, Surabaya, Bandung, and Malang, and sells more than 200,000 bowls every month. Overall, more than 2 million bowls of rice dishes have been served to Mangkokku's customers in the past two years.

Shortly after starting its operation, Mangkokku faced the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020 until now. However, the pandemic did not stop Mangkokku's development in achieving its dream of becoming one of the largest culinary players in Indonesia and eventually bringing Indonesian cuisine to the international stage.

"Mangkokku's journey from 2020 to 2021 has been very challenging due to the pandemic and social restrictions imposed by the government. However, through strategic adaptation, various innovations, and collaborations, Mangkokku has achieved 8-fold growth during the pandemic," said Mangkokku CEO Randy Kartadinata in a written statement to SINDOnews.com on Monday (16/8).

As dining in is no longer the preferred choice, Mangkokku has shifted its expansion focus to online platforms and cloud kitchens. "For us, opening new outlets must be done carefully because each outlet must have good performance for Mangkokku to continue to grow sustainably," explained Randy.

"We now choose to open more cloud kitchen outlets and prepare better online purchasing infrastructure in existing outlets. We also choose to be closer to residential areas rather than shopping centers to make it easier for customers who now spend more time at home to reach us," he added.

1. Opening 35 New Stores

Mangkokku (Credit: Special)

As a result, this year has entered the 2nd year, Mangkokku plans to add around 35 outlets in Java, Sumatra, and Kalimantan. Mangkokku also adjusts the prices to remain affordable for the general public and tightens health protocols at each outlet, starting from routine disinfection, use of protective equipment, touchless and cashless technology for ordering and payment, as well as mandatory vaccination for every Mangkokku employee.

"In challenging conditions like this, one key to success in the culinary industry is innovation to remain relevant and in line with the times and consumer interests. We are committed to continuously exploring Nusantara's distinctive flavored dishes with more contemporary presentations that still suit the taste of Indonesian people," said Chef Arnold Poernomo.

Together with local footwear manufacturer Maximall Footwear, Mangkokku collaborates across products in the form of special edition sandals merchandise for Mangkokku's anniversary.

Mangkokku will also launch a new menu called collaBOWLation, which is the result of collaboration among three famous chefs in Indonesia, namely Chef Arnold Poernomo, Chef Juna Rorimpandey, and Chef Renatta Moeloek on August 17, coinciding with Indonesia's Independence Day.

This menu will consist of dishes that unite the nation's flavors, typical Nusantara dishes commonly found in holiday celebrations, such as Chef Renatta's creamy chicken opor, Chef Juna's crispy and savory tempeh orek, and Chef Arnold's delicious complement of rendang sambal.

"Turning 2 years old, we believe that Mangkokku's growth is inseparable from the support of loyal customers, great employees, partners, investors, and the Indonesian community who always support and accompany Mangkokku in every journey. We are determined to continue fostering the spirit of overcoming every limit and challenge to keep creating and providing positive impact for the Indonesian culinary industry," said Kaesang Pangarep, the son of President Joko Widodo and one of the co-founders of Mangkokku.

(kpl/tdr)