Chernomorka

"Chernomorka" is a Ukrainian seafood restaurant chain established in 2013. The chain is currently expanding both within Ukraine and into Europe.

History and Evolution The idea for the network began when Olga Kopylova, the founder of the "Chernomorka" chain, received a gift of Black Sea fish from a friend in Crimea. This moment became the starting point for a major history. Initially, it was just an idea to bring seafood to Kyiv, starting with Kopylova reselling the fish from her friend while working as a waitress/administrator. The business grew, and after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the company transitioned to sourcing fish from Odesa fishermen, eventually acquiring its own catch operations, including boats and nets.

Over time, "Chernomorka" evolved from a simple idea into a large enterprise that now includes:

• Own catch operations.
• Over 200 partners among restaurants and supermarkets.
• Unique gastronomic projects.
• A network of restaurants in Ukraine and Europe.

The network has demonstrated significant growth, as illustrated by the chart on page 7:

• 2013: 1 restaurant.
• 2016: 1 restaurant.
• 2020: 18 restaurants.
• 2025 (Projected/Target): 65 restaurants.

The presentation indicates a total of 65 open establishments and 16 facilities under construction. The brand has been on the fish market for 13 years. The company operates under the slogan "The sea that is always with you"

Mission, Values, and Concept The mission of "Chernomorka" is to expand the horizons of taste by making seafood accessible and understandable, inspiring culinary experiments, and ensuring customers always receive a fresh and high-quality product. The core value is the goal to have fresh fish on every table, aiming for a leading market position so that everyone, regardless of location, can enjoy quality, fresh, and healthy fish.

The key competitive advantage and concept revolve around fresh fish chosen from a display case, simple cooking technologies that preserve the taste. The process involves:

• Control of the cold chain from the sea to the plate.
• An open "fish display" as the core of sales.
• Simple technological maps for speed and scale.
• A dynamic "catch of the day" menu.
• Linear unit economics.
• Content that drives sales, not the reverse.

This approach ensures stable quality, fair prices, and fast service. Many "Chernomorka" establishments operate in a mixed format, functioning as both a restaurant and a shop where fresh fish and seafood can be purchased.

Projects and Awards The company runs several related projects and brands, including:

• "Chernomorka" (in various spellings/locations: Chernomorka, Czarnomorka, Černomorka, Черноморка).
•  (Anchousna/Anchovy).
• (Oseledtseva/Herring).
• (Kozy ta Matrosy/Goats and Sailors).
• "CHIKAPULYA".
• "Dom 19.21".
• "OYSTERS & GEESE".
• (Rybak i Ovtsy/Fisherman and Sheep).
• Chernomorka fishing.
• Chornomorka online

The network has received multiple awards, including:

• (Palm Branch of the Restaurant Business) in 2017, 2019, and 2020-2021 (Bronze).
• "Choice of the Year" as the Best Fish Restaurant in 2019.
• "Сіль" (Salt) National Award: Silver in the "Opening of the Year" nomination for "Оселедцева" (Herring) and Finalist in the "Best Fish Restaurant" nomination for "Чорноморка".
• "Effie Awards" (Marketing Communications): Gold for "Чорноморка Онлайн" (Chernomorka Online).

The chain is expanding geographically, with locations across Ukraine and a presence in Europe.

Cooperation/Franchise Terms The terms for cooperation (franchise) include:

• Franchise fee: €30,000.
• Royalty: 5% of monthly turnover.
• Marketing contribution: 2.5%.

The company also outlines the responsibilities of the "Launch Crew", which focuses on ensuring optimal conditions, implementing the concept, adhering to technical standards, providing high-quality service, guaranteeing smooth operation in the first months, and fully preparing the local team. Support areas include location selection, legal processing, design, staff recruitment/training, finance/investments, procurement/supplier relations, and launch/operational control.

The "Chernomorka" restaurant chain utilizes a well-defined franchise model for its rapid domestic and international expansion, leveraging a concept built on quality, freshness, and accessibility of seafood. The franchise is offered under the name "Chernomorka" (and its derivatives like Czarnomorka or Černomorka) and other associated brands.

Core Concept for Franchising

The model is based on a distinctive and scalable restaurant concept centered around the "fish display". This display acts as the core sales point, allowing guests to visually select their desired fresh fish and seafood. This concept ensures:

1.     Freshness and Quality: The company claims control over the cold chain from the sea (through its own catch operations) to the plate, guaranteeing product quality.

2.     Simplicity and Speed: The cooking technologies are deliberately simple to maintain speed, consistency, and scalability across the network.

3.     Dynamic Menu: A constantly updated "catch of the day" menu drives engagement and utilizes fresh, available inventory.

4.     Shop-Restaurant Format: Most locations function as both a casual dining spot and a retail shop, allowing customers to buy fresh products for home, maximizing revenue streams.

This system is designed to provide linear unit economics—a model where costs and profits scale predictably—making the franchise proposition attractive for investors.

Financial Terms and Investment

The presentation outlines the key financial obligations for prospective franchisees:

·       Franchise Fee : €30,000 (a one-time payment for the right to use the brand and business model).

·       Royalty : 5% of monthly turnover.

·       Marketing Contribution : 2.5% of monthly turnover.

The total investments (CAPEX) for opening a new location are substantial, covering costs for location refurbishment, equipment, and initial working capital.

A critical component of the "Chernomorka" franchise model is the extensive support provided by the Launch Crew. This crew ensures that the new restaurant is launched in strict adherence to the brand's standards and operational procedures. The support covers all stages of establishment and initial operation, minimizing risks for the franchisee.

The areas of full support include:

·       Financial and Investment: Assistance with calculating an individual business model and attracting investments.

·       Legal and Location: Support with property selection, lease/purchase agreements, and legal documentation.

·       Design and Construction: Providing a ready-made design project that reflects the brand’s marine aesthetic and supervision over construction and repair works.

·       Operational Setup: Assistance with the full setup of the restaurant, from equipment installation to IT infrastructure.

·       Supply Chain (Procurement): Establishing reliable supply routes and setting up relationships with approved suppliers, including access to the company's own fresh seafood supply.

·       HR and Training: Full support in the recruitment, selection, and comprehensive training of the entire local team to ensure high-quality service and adherence to simple technological processes.

·       Launch and Control: Direct support during the opening phase (soft launch and grand opening) and monitoring of operational efficiency in the initial months to guarantee smooth and profitable operation.

The objective of the Launch Crew is to implement the entire concept, ensure technical standards are met, and guarantee the smooth operation and profitability of the establishment in its first months, making the franchisee a successful steward of the "Chernomorka" brand.