3-Minute Turnaround Time Means More Sales For Thai Express Franchise Owners

Streamlined cooking process is easy for staff to learn, entertaining for customers to watch and designed to maximize number of guests served

Consistent, authentic and fast. That’s how Ray Zandi, Vice President of Franchise Development, describes the food-preparation process at a Thai Express™ franchise.

Each of those steps is important. Consistency matters to consumers, especially those who have a favorite menu item. Authenticity is key to millennials and other diners who want the real flavors and spices of a particular culture. And fast is key to Thai Express franchise owners, who are looking to provide great food and quality service to as many customers as possible in order to maximize revenue.

Cooking process has visual appeal

“People are getting sit-down restaurant, chef quality Thai food within three minutes of ordering,” Zandi says. “That makes Thai Express very unusual and very different from other brands in the Asian quick/casual space. Visitors also get to see their food being assembled and prepared as they order it, and that is a huge plus which drives interest and repeat business.”

Every Thai Express franchise is built around a cooking area that has three or four custom-made woks in use. The proprietary woks, designed exclusively for Thai Express, heat to 500 degrees and are controlled by the cook. Customers can watch the process — including flames shooting into the air — what Zandi calls “dinner and a show.”

“The flames are going up, the spices are going in — customers really enjoy watching it all take place, and it’s happening fast, so the business is moving a lot of people through in a very short time. Nobody feels rushed, but the turnover is quick so more business is captured.”

Employees can learn the system quickly and easily

While the speed and unique equipment might be seen as an impediment for training staff, at Thai Express the experience is just the opposite. That’s because a great deal of thought has gone into a remarkably comprehensive training program for owners and staff alike, Zandi says.

“Our brand’s three-week program for franchise owners focuses on operating the business, but also has a dedicated segment just for learning how to cook chef-quality Thai food,” he explains. “We work in a classroom and also in a Thai Express location, so that franchise owners learn how to do everything behind the counter. Then they are able to support the work of our training staff when it comes to making sure their own team is ready.”

Bring Thai Express to your community today

Thai Express has a high potential for growth as it expands across the United States. Startup costs range from $370,900 to $832,700, depending on the model. Since 2004, Thai Express has spread across the Canadian market with a business model built for entrepreneurs who are passionate about bringing an authentic and affordable Thai food experience to their communities. The franchise fee for the first Thai Express franchise is $30,000, and the franchise fee for multiple units can be discounted if certain conditions and criteria are met. For more information, download our free franchise information report.