2 KPOT execs share how experiential dining is key to torrid growth pace

In this episode of Take-Away with Sam Oches, Sam talks with Maggie Farrell and Victor Chow, the VP of marketing and VP of operations for KPOT, the fast-growing Korean barbecue and hot pot chain with a unique, do-it-yourself experience at its core. According to this year’s Technomic Top 500, KPOT grew its location count by 72% in 2024, and its sales by 34%. Already in 2025 it’s opened more than 20 locations, with 115 open today — and it didn’t even exist until 2017. Maggie and Victor joined the podcast to talk about what makes KPOT so special, why it’s resonating with American consumers today, and what has been key to keeping up with its remarkable growth pace. 

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Experiential dining is riding high — but ‘experience’ is in eye of beholder
• No matter the experience you want to create, your team is responsible for facilitating it
• Tailoring a unique experience to each individual customer could be wave of the future
• American consumers are hungry for a diversity of menu options 
• Challenges don’t seem challenging when you’re part of a team tackling them together

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at sam.oches@informa.com.