UCLA alumni business dachi expands Asian snack offerings to Ackerman Union with storefront operation
ASUCLA’s newest offering, dachi, is diversifying snack options on the UCLA campus with curated Asian selections like Pocky, Chapaghetti, dachi-original treats and more.
Los Angeles, Calif., Jan. 31, 2023 – Welcoming familiar friends back to UCLA, Associated Students UCLA’s (ASUCLA) newest addition of dachi is diversifying the available snack and beverage options on campus with Asian selections. The dachi nook is located in Ackerman Union, A-Level, and opened its doors to the Bruin community on Jan. 31 with offerings representative of more than five Asian nationalities.
Dachi — which is short for friend in Japanese — is an Asian inspired treat and beverage company founded in 2022 by UCLA Anderson School of Management alumni Kelsey Kawana, Eric Luo and Anne Marie Bessacini.
“The heart of dachi has always been at UCLA where the company first came together,” said Kawana, cofounder and CEO of dachi. “We are thrilled to be partnering with ASUCLA for the grand opening of our very first storefront and we are excited to make Asian snacks and beverages more accessible to UCLA’s diverse student body.”
The new offering curates a selection of Asian snacks and beverages that not only broaden student exposure to other cultures, but fosters a sense of belonging for the Asian American Pacific Islander populations through convenient snacks like Japanese classics of Pocky and Ito En Tea, Korean Chapaghetti instant noodles, and dachi-original offerings like Tomo’s Golden Almond Cookie.
This installation is ASUCLA’s first collaboration with dachi; the UCLA alumni founded-company installed its first offering on the UCLA campus near the Anderson School of Management in 2022 as a part of the Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson — a six-month program that utilizes UCLA resources to help startup founders launch their businesses.
“Seeing our UCLA alumni go on to start their own businesses is an accomplishment in itself,” said Cindy Bolton, director of ASUCLA Restaurants. “Now, it’s fulfilling for ASUCLA to collaborate with our alumni to bring dachi to Ackerman Union and provide a chance for everyone to try a variety of Asian-inspired snacks.”
The spirit of the dachi brand is represented by a round and charming Japanese red racoon named Tomo, who, according to the dachi website, “adores the simple pleasures of life: eating, napping and being with friends.” To date, dachi has served over 4,500 customers and offered over 60 unique Asian snacks and beverages.
The dachi nook is open in Ackerman Union between 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about dachi, visit its website at dachifreinds.com.
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About dachi
Dachi is committed to making Asian snacks and beverages easier to discover and enjoy through delightful and colorful automated storefronts and vending machines. Since it was founded in 2022 by three UCLA Anderson students, dachi has served over 4,500 unique customers and offered over 60 unique Asian snacks and beverages. Dachi donates a percentage of all proceeds to multiple nonprofits that support the Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community.
About ASUCLA:
Founded in 1919, Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) is a nonprofit association that drives vitally essential student services and activities throughout the UCLA campus. ASUCLA boasts the largest college store in the U.S., an extensive food program, UCLA® brand licensing programming through UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, and other services and programs that include student government and student media, which significantly enhances the quality of UCLA’s campus life. For more information and to stay connected, follow @asucla on Instagram or visit asucla.ucla.edu.