GAO Dumpling Bar
GAO represents an ambitious project to make authentic, sustainable dumplings accessible to as many people as possible – in Copenhagen and beyond.
Launched in the summer of 2016, GAO now operates two outlets with plans for further expansion in the near future. But from the very beginning, there was a desire to see GAO as much more than simply dumplings.
Researching the trends on the global food scene, we developed a strategy around “dumplings as a platform” allowing us to take advantage of prevailing movements and future trends.
What does that mean?
Dumplings make up the perfect platform to unite East and West in a single product, using old techniques and local ingredients; it presents opportunities to unite vegans and meat eaters in the same restaurant experience and expanding into modern meat alternatives without altering the product; it represents a platform that can be expanded into all urban environments around the world using a central production idea.
As such GAO is an ambitious business venture, not a restaurant. It can take many forms centered around dumplings as a platform. We continue to consult on everything from business development to future expansion of the GAO brand.
Process
1
Market Audit & Sizing
4 weeks
2
Business Model Canvas
2 weeks
3
Value proposition deep-dive
2 weeks
4
Location and hiring strategy
6 weeks
5
Brand and interior design
6 weeks
6
Business development and management
Ongoing
From a business perspective, we wanted to position dumplings as a platform that can evolve without loosing the authenticity; a platform that can unite different cultures and house emerging food trends along side traditional craft. To us the idea was bigger than a single restaurant.
GAO in Blågårdsgade, the first and original location. The neon sign was handcrafted in Hong Kong and carefully shipped to Copenhagen.
The second location, a 40 sqm shop that is embedded in the neighbourhood. Always open, always vibrant.
Credits
Interior Design
Aurelien Barbry
Photographer
Santiago De La Vega
Next
Steelcase
2019
