ข่าวแจ้งสื่อมวลชน

Zen Corporation Group Plc (Zen Group), a leading food service company in Thailand, continues its international expansion by partnering with KoLao Group to strengthen its presence in the Lao PDR market.

This strategic collaboration will bring four of Zen Group's signature restaurant brands to the highly anticipated Mega Mall Vientiane, reinforcing the company's commitment to growing its franchise network across the region while catering to consumers' demand for exceptional taste and quality.

The official franchise signing ceremony took place recently at Kolao Tower, Vientiane, Lao PDR. The event was attended by Siruwat Chatchawan, chief marketing officer, Zen Group, and Jakkapong Wangtaphun, chief executive officer, Grandview Property, a subsidiary of KoLao Group.

Siruwat Chatchawan, chief marketing officer, Zen Group, and Jakkapong Wangtaphun, chief executive officer, Grandview Property, a subsidiary of KoLao Group

Under the agreement, Zen Group will introduce four brands to the Lao market: ZEN - a premium Japanese restaurant renowned for crafting dishes with the freshest, high-quality ingredients; On the Table - a Tokyo caf�-inspired concept offering international fusion cuisine with a distinctive twist; Lao Yuan - an Indochinese-style restaurant that harmoniously blends flavors from across the Mekong region; and Khiang - a vibrant Thai street food brand renowned for its bold flavors and unmistakable wok aroma.

The first outlets for all four brands are scheduled to open at Mega Mall Vientiane in the fourth quarter of 2025, followed by an ambitious expansion plan through 2026-2027, including 3 ZEN branches, 3 On the Table branches, 10 Khiang branches, and 3 Lao Yuan branches across Laos.

Zen Group first entered the Lao market in 2013 with the launch of "Tummour" in Vientiane at the Season Riverside Hotel in partnership with a prominent local entrepreneur. The company later deepened its presence by signing a franchise agreement with KoLao to open 10 Khiang branches.

Several outlets have already begun operations, including Khiang Nong Bon, Khiang Siwilai , Khiang Phon Sinuan , and Khiang Muang Noi with the remaining six set to open by the first quarter of 2026.

Franchise potential in Laos

Thai food and beverage franchises remain highly popular across neighboring countries in ASEAN due to shared culinary culture, strong consumer preference for Thai flavors, and the perception of Thai cuisine as fresh, diverse, and meticulously prepared. The growing interest from markets such as Malaysia and the Philippines signals promising growth opportunities for the Lao market and positions it as a gateway for further regional expansion.

In addition to its growth in Laos, Zen Group's Khiang brand has successfully entered the Philippines with two locations�SM Fairview and Poblacion Makati�receiving an enthusiastic reception since opening. The company plans to add three more branch in Philippine this year.

Siruwat Chatchawan, chief marketing officer, Zen Group

Siruwat Chatchawan, chief marketing officer, Zen Group, said: "Partnering with KoLao marks another milestone for Zen Group in bringing our proud portfolio of restaurant brands to international markets. We are confident that the diversity of our concepts and our commitment to quality will deliver memorable dining experiences to consumers in Laos."