Mall Food Courts are Hungry for International Brands

From California to New Jersey, Thai Express franchise is finding new homes in shopping malls

Mall food courts and Thai Express franchise are a powerful combination, thanks to highly visible designs and branding, a vibrant and versatile menu of authentic Thai dishes, and food theater. From coast to coast, franchise operators are turning to the premier Thai food franchise for their next investment.

“Thai Express is an incredibly versatile franchise,” says John Wuycheck, Senior Vice President of Development for Kahala Brands™, Thai Express’s parent company in the U.S. “In Canada, Thai Express thrives in malls, upscale shopping centers and in working-class neighborhoods alike. In the United States, we believe Thai Express is an exciting new opportunity for virtually any mall with a food court.”

Founded in 2004, Thai Express took Canada by storm, growing to more than 285 locations in the past decade. Tapping into a powerful demand for an authentic, fast and affordable Thai experience, Thai Express exploded in popularity in Canada to become one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in the nation. Bolstered by the support and leadership of franchise giants MTY GroupTM and Kahala Brands, Thai Express is entering the United States market — where the demand for Thai food has been rising for years.

Malls are looking for more than just another food franchise; they’re seeking brands that appeal to a diverse clientele. Thai Express is just such a brand. In fact, according to Edelman Digital (1), 23% of the coveted millennial generation seeks out Thai food on a regular basis. At the same time, the Washington Post reports that the demand for Asian cuisine has exploded more than 500% since 1999 — and it shows no signs of slowing down.

Here are a few ways Thai Express stands out in the crowd.

Sleek, modern atmosphere melds with traditional Thai design. When customers visit a Thai Express, they immediately know they’re experiencing something different from other fast-casual dining experiences. That’s because each Thai Express is customized to its location to incorporate the ancient traditions of Feng Shui. Read more here.

Bold, pop-culture advertising stands out. People respond to pop art, and that’s part of the appeal of Thai Express, where hip, vibrant branding adds fun to dine-in eateries and encourages a playful, happy mood. At the same time, Thai Express stands out from the competition, whether the location is a crowded food court or a busy shopping center.

Unique menu selections combine made-to-order meals with fast food timing. Customers like food theater, and they love knowing their food was made fresh. They dislike waiting too long, so the faster the food comes, the better. At Thai Express, they can choose from more than 300 flavor combinations and watch as their food is prepared, with most dishes taking three minutes or less to cook.

High-quality, delicious food doesn’t have to be expensive. Thai Express customers become regulars quickly. That’s not only because the food is delicious and of a higher quality than other fast food and fast-casual concepts, but also because it’s affordable. Few franchise restaurants can deliver a made-to-order meal cooked from fresh vegetables and wholesome proteins — with many dishes costing less than $10.

And so much more…Thai Express really offers something for everyone. Whether they’re looking to dine in, carry out or eat on the go, customers love Thai Express for the quality, flavor and value. And they love talking about how much they love Thai Express, too.

Bring a Thai Express franchise to your community today

Thai Express is a low-cost investment opportunity with 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.