Buy a Brick - Build a new HOME

After 5 months since the opening, KOTO Villa has become a new favorite place for residents in the Tay Ho area to have a sip of coffee or a delicious meal while relaxing in its green courtyard, especially during weekends and for families with children. It is also an event hub that hosts a multitude of public and private events, informal and formal, such as the Farewell party for the US Ambassador, weddings, monthly meetings of Australian Chamber of Commerce and other local clubs, etc. 

Since borders remain closed due to COVID-19, we have to actively seek new ways to do business targeting locals. We continued to acquire a good reputation as a caterer that has been providing catering services for most embassies in Hanoi. A more robust catering marketing strategy is being developed which hopefully will reach new customers. We started a cooking class for locals which was very well received, and we are doing further research on the local market for cooking classes. 

In January, KOTO proudly opened KOTO Cafe at Tanmy Design, in partnership with Tanmy Design - a long-standing hand embroidery and silk shop in Hanoi. This is a partnership that brings together the soul of Vietnamese craftsmanship and life-changing opportunities for Vietnamese youth. 

Many customers who have experienced the food and drinks, the ambience and service of KOTO have shared how much they love their experience: 

“We at the Netherlands Embassy hire KOTO as the main caterer for our events as they not only do exceptional work for the community as a social enterprise, but also provide excellent food and services for all of our guests, all of whom have been nothing but positive about the services and food provided by KOTO. We most definitely recommend them as a caterer”, Second Secretary to the Netherlands Embassy in Vietnam.

“Really great food and atmosphere, we had dinner here on their opening day and the team were so attentive. Lamb Shank was awesome, my partner wanted to order seconds. Will definitely return, great place for special occasions.”, a customer at KOTO Villa

We are actively putting out questionnaires for diners and apart from the compliments, we are also learning greatly from all constructive feedback. The goal is to learn tremendously about the new target customers in the shortest time possible and make necessary changes to make sure we are responding to our customers’ needs. Another highlight during this period is that we welcomed a new Enterprise Director who has vast experience in managing food and beverage businesses in Vietnam. He is working hard with the KOTO Villa’s team to make improvements to the menu, services and ambience, which promises to bring a new face for the restaurant in the upcoming months, right in time for the summer. 

We are beyond happy to announce that after closing down our 21-year-old restaurant KOTO on Van Mieu in August 2020 due to covid-19, we finally made it to officially open KOTO Villa in December 2020. This will be the new HOME for all KOTO trainees in the great years that have to come - a training ground that gives skills and hope for disadvantaged youths across Vietnam. As the Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Her Excellency Robyn Mudie put it, 'This year, we have lived through history in the making.  COVID-19 has left its mark on all of us. But along with hardships come new beginnings. This new KOTO Villa is evidence of the determination and resilience of the Vietnamese people, which is epitomised in Jimmy Pham’s leadership.’

This new home has become a reality thanks to the unwavering commitment and generous support from the local and international community. Together 13 sponsors have contributed critical financial and technical support to build our home, and many other organizations and individuals have given small to larger donations, despite the difficult financial situation we are all facing globally. This support has allowed us to renovate the newly-rented French colonial-era villa, purchase all the necessary kitchen and bakery equipment, supply the new furniture, etc. Although there is still work to be done, we were honored to welcome 130 VIP guests and friends to our Grand Opening on 20/12/2020.

KOTO Villa sits in a quiet alley in the heart of Tay Ho district, a rather affluent neighborhood of Hanoi where locals and expatriates demand a high quality of food and service. Just 1.5 months since our soft launch in mid-November, we already feel the support from the local community for which we feel so grateful. Customers enjoy their experience at KOTO Villa for its spacious and beautiful venue, delicious food, but most of all, for the smiling and positive trainees. 
  
To prepare for this new restaurant, the KOTO team has made every effort possible. New location, new menu and new targeted clients require dedication, the willingness to learn and the creativity of the most hardworking person. But within just more than a month, the team has pulled it off, and the response of the community has made it all worth it. Our trainees also welcome their new home with open arms, and the effort they display everyday shows how much they appreciate this opportunity during such a challenging time.

As of January 2021, 54 individuals and 10 agencies have generously contributed to KOTO through the Buy a Brick - Build a new HOME program and have left their mark on KOTO Villa's walls. Their wishes and words of encouragement are testimonies of the passion and commitment for KOTO's mission we all share. We feel extremely honored and encouraged to know that KOTO is not alone on this challenging path of empowering underprivileged youths. 

Links:

• A video on our journey of building a new HOME