Knotted Successfully Opens First LA Store with BuildBlock

The Noted store opened at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, USA

On April 12, Knotted, one of Korea's leading donut brands operated by GFFG, successfully opened its first store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, USA. BuildBlock oversaw the entire process related to U.S. real estate for the launch of Korean F&B brands in the American market, handling everything from site selection and design permits to construction.

With global interest in Korean culture (K-culture) at an all-time high, reports of various food and beverage (F&B) companies entering the U.S. market have become increasingly common. GFFG, which operates not only Knotted?focused on donut products?but also a variety of dining brands such as the fusion Korean pub Hojokban, has embarked on global expansion based on its overwhelming brand recognition in Korea. Even before the grand opening event of Knotted Donuts' first LA location, around 300 people lined up, and approximately 1,000 people visited in a single day, marking a successful entry into the U.S. market.

BuildBlock, a company providing comprehensive real estate solutions in the United States, played a key role in Knotted Donuts' entry into the American market. BuildBlock specializes in offering services related to U.S. real estate, an area where Korean companies often face significant challenges when entering the market. The company provided end-to-end support for the opening of Knotted's first store, including local site selection, acting as a negotiation agent, handling real estate contracts and permits, as well as interior design and construction.

The Westfield Century City shopping mall, chosen by Knotted for its first U.S. store, is located near Santa Monica and Beverly Hills and is well known as a tourist destination where luxury brands and trendy F&B establishments coexist. It is similar to Korea's large-scale shopping malls such as Starfield or IFC Mall. To open a store in Westfield Century City, a real estate partner (General Contractor, equivalent to a comprehensive construction company in Korea) must have verified qualifications and construction experience. Drawing on its accumulated experience in real estate brokerage and construction for various Korean companies entering the U.S., BuildBlock met these requirements and successfully created a space reflecting Knotted's unique sensibility and message, establishing the brand's first point of contact with American consumers.

GFFG and BuildBlock are also preparing to open a second store together in the Art District near downtown LA. This area, known for its renovated factories now filled with trendy cafes, restaurants, and offices, is considered a "hot" spot similar to Seongsu-dong in Seoul. The second location will feature not only Knotted but also the fusion Korean brand Hojokban.

A BuildBlock representative stated, "For K-F&B brands to take root in the U.S. market, it is essential to create a space that embodies the brand's philosophy, not just to secure a location," adding, "We focused on providing the optimal site and construction quality so that the distinct brand identity of Knotted could fully shine in the local U.S. market."

As the global expansion of Korean brands accelerates, BuildBlock plans to continue its role as a localization partner for K-F&B, K-beauty, and K-lifestyle brands entering the U.S. market.