Thai Express Momentum Proves Hunger for Thai Food Is Real

Franchise owners are lining up to become a part of the next big Asian food franchise

Thai Express™ franchise is experiencing tremendous momentum right out of the starting gate. We just launched the Thai food franchise in January, and already we’re on tap to open the first seven stores in the United States — with many more in the pipeline!

Founded in 2004, Thai Express took Canada by storm, growing to over 285 locations in the last decade. Tapping into a powerful, unfed demand for an authentic, fast and affordable Thai experience, Thai Express has exploded in popularity in Canada to become not just the top Asian QSR in the country, but also one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in Canada. Bolstered by the support and leadership of franchise giants MTY Group™ and Kahala Brands™, Thai Express is entering the United States market where the demand for Thai food has been rising for years.

“The rush of early franchise owners to the Thai Express brand confirms what we already knew — there is a hunger for Thai food, and we’re set to fill it,” says John Wuycheck, Sr. Vice President of Development. “I believe Thai Express is going to become one of the cornerstones of the American food scene, just like it has in Canada.”

Whether you’re in a bustling mall or a neighborhood shopping center, look around. Anywhere you see an Asian restaurant, there’s a good location for a Thai Express. Here are just a couple of reasons why.

Asian food is a growth sector

Since 1999, Asian food demand has grown almost 500%, according to The Washington Post. At the same time, IBIS World pegs the QSR segment at more than $206 billion — and growing.

“Owning a Thai food franchise just makes sense in this market,” John says. “Take a look at the high points of the QSR and fast casual segments — fresh ingredients, ethnic cuisine, food theatre, and healthy dishes — Thai Express hits all the high points.”

Owning a Thai Express franchise affords you the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a potentially explosive brand in an underserved market for Thai food. In fact, if you look around, chances are you’ll be the first-to-market when you open your own Thai Express.

Training and support help set you up for growth

If you think opening a restaurant serving ethnic food means you have to have experience with the cuisine or the culture, think again. Thai Express has perfected a comprehensive training program covering every aspect of the business. Just ask Eddy Hassan, a multi-unit owner from Montreal who is on deck as the first American franchisee.

“For those who have no experience with Asian food, they’re going to find Thai Express to be simple, exciting and adventurous,” Eddy says. He will open the first U.S. Thai Express in Minneapolis in 2017. “The business is very organized. The product is very simple to prepare and manage. Running a Thai Express franchise requires fewer employees than other similar brands, and that means costs stay lower.”

With lower overhead, the brand’s careful attention to cost controls, and our more than 285 stores’ worth of perfecting this system in Canada, Thai Express is a great opportunity for you to build your own Thai restaurant empire. It’s a great time for Thai Express, and you’ll be glad you’re a part of it.

Bring a Thai Express franchise to your community today

Thai Express is a low-cost investment opportunity with high potential for growth as we expand across the United States. Startup costs range from $370,900 to $832,700, depending on the model you choose. Since 2004, we saturated 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 your first Thai Express franchise is $30,000, and the franchise fee for multiple units can be discounted if certain conditions and criteria are met.