CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog is a gourmet snack franchise founded in Las Vegas in 2019. It is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, where it first launched its unique take on Korean-style hot dogs on a stick.

The brand began franchising shortly after its launch and now operates multiple franchise locations across the U.S., including in Orlando, Minneapolis, and Houston.

CrunCheese sells deep-fried Korean-style hot dogs, coated in batter, cheese, potatoes, squid ink, or other toppings, and served with signature sauces like sweet chili, garlic parmesan, honey butter, and honey mustard.

The franchise differentiates itself through its crunchy cheese bite, “cook to order” freshness, playful presentation, and multi-sensory branding that elevates a classic snack into a gourmet experience.

Training

CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog offers a comprehensive training program to prepare franchisees and their teams for successful operations. The program includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training and is led by experienced professionals. Here are the main components:

1. Initial Training Program
   CrunCheese provides an initial training program typically lasting 5–7 days, depending on the franchisee’s and manager’s experience. The program is held once at the corporate location in Las Vegas, Nevada (or another designated site) 2–4 weeks before the franchise’s grand opening, and once onsite at the franchise location at the time of opening.
2. Training Curriculum and Method
   Topics include food preparation, restaurant equipment use, customer and employee relations, merchandising, and administrative tasks. Training is delivered through classroom and on-the-job formats, with mandatory completion and testing requirements. The founding director, Mike Kim, who has over 13 years of industry experience, currently leads these sessions.
3. Training Requirements and Costs
   There is no tuition charge for required attendees, but franchisees must cover instructor fees of $400/day plus travel and living expenses. Optional ongoing training is available under the same cost structure. General managers and other approved personnel must attend and successfully complete the training to the franchisor’s satisfaction.

Territory Protection

CrunCheese Korean Hot Dog does not offer exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. While the franchise grants the right to operate from a mutually approved location, it explicitly states that the territory is non-exclusive.

Franchisees may face competition from other CrunCheese outlets, whether company-owned or franchised, as well as from alternative distribution channels such as retail, internet sales, or other branded services.

The designated area is defined with consideration to local factors such as population size, traffic patterns, and nearby businesses, but it does not prevent the franchisor from establishing other locations nearby.