KOTO's Little by Little

We are beyond happy to announce that after closing down our 21-year-old restaurant KOTO on Van Mieu in August 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 Phan’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.