About Company
ZEN journey has been driven by cooking spirit and unique tasting selection to fulfill consumers'dynamic desires with epicurean and creative symmetry. ZEN Corporation Group offers variety of experts who love and care to invent happiness through inspiring menu.
Our Brands
Zen Group, established for over 30 years, operates 10 leading Thai and Japanese restaurant brands with more than 317 outlets. Our current success has been a result of outlets expansion both domestic and international and our future intention is to become a global foodservice industry leader.
Company Milestone
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2007-2010
1993-2005
1991
- On January 19, 2024, the Board of Directors approved ZEN Group’s share repurchase program for financial management purposes, with a maximum budget of 30 million Baht. The number of shares to be repurchased was set at no more than 3 million shares, or up to 1% of the total outstanding shares. The repurchases were to take place on the Stock Exchange of Thailand over a period of 6 months, from January 24, 2024, to July 23, 2024. The share repurchase program was completed on July 23, 2024, with ZEN Group repurchasing a total of 1,815,500 shares, equivalent to 0.61% of the total outstanding shares. The total value of the repurchased shares amounted to 14,053,275 Baht.
- The "Khiang" brand is expanding its franchise business into international markets by signing franchise agreements with entrepreneurs in the ASEAN region, including Malaysia, Japan, Laos, and the Philippines.
- Zen Corporation Group Public Company Limited has been ranked as a Sustainability Stock for the fourth consecutive year in the Agriculture and Food Industry sector by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. ZEN Group received a ‘SET ESG Ratings AA Level for 2023’, with a total score of 82 out of 100.
- ZEN Group received an “Excellent” or 5-Star rating for Corporate Governance in 2024 for the fourth consecutive year from the Thai Institute of Directors Association. ZEN Group scored 106 points, reflecting the continuous development of ZEN Group’s business operations, while adhering to the principles of good corporate governance. This drives sustainability alongside ZEN Group’soperations that encompass social and environmental dimensions, as well as building trust among shareholders, investors, and all stakeholders.
- Zen Corporation Group Public Company Limited has been awarded a certificate of renewal as a member of the Thai Private Sector Collective Action Against Corruption (CAC) for the second term, effective from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027.
- Zen Corporation Group Public Company Limited received an honorable mention for participating in the “Comprehensive Waste Management Model” competition in the Private Office Building category (Headquarters Onnut 17) organized by the Bangkok Environmental Office, under the Comprehensive Waste Sorting Program for all 50 districts in Bangkok.
- The Group announced the termination of the joint venture "Gin Dee Yu Dee 2020 Limited" to the Stock Exchange on February 13, 2023, due to the major shareholder's notification to terminate the company.
- The Group has been selected sustainable stock rankings for the 3rd consecutive year in the Agro & Food Industry category by the Stock Exchange of Thailand. This year, the announcement was made in the form of ratings. The Group were awarded 'SET ESG Ratings AA Level 2023', with better overall evaluation score each year, aligning with the organization's Brand Philosophy of 'Goodness to Growth,' fostering sustainable growth.
- The Group Ranked 6th among the top 10 popular restaurant business groups in the Thailand's Most Admired Company 2023-2024 rankings organized by BrandAge.
- AKA brand received the Excellent Thai Food Franchise Award for the year 2023 from the Thailand Franchise Award 2023
- Tummour and Laoyuan brands were certified Thai Select 2023 by the Department of Business Development.
- The Group received 23 awards at the Adman Awards 7 Symposium 2023, with 4 winning campaigns including ZEN's "Priceless Menu," ZEN's "Mom, it’s ok not to cook," ZEN's "Lunch Set-Bento Boss," and On the Table's "Birth of the Table." These contributed to the Group's position as a leading Advertiser of the year
- The Group invested in King Marine Foods Co., Ltd., which operates as an importer, supply and sale of seafood and processed foods, both fresh and frozen foods. The Group holds51% of theshares through Spicy Synergy Co.,Ltd.This investment is to beone of the key factors in reducing the cost of the Group's core products and to expand the Group's retail food business is one of the company's business diversification plans.
- The Group has expanded its new food business under the Brand AKA SHABU, which offers a Japanese shabu restaurant that builds on a grill restaurant, has a fun atmosphere like sitting and dining at dusk in Shinjuku or Shibuya, Japan by opening the first branch at Central Pinklao.
- The Group continues to push forward the ZEN CARE policy by focusing on 3P, namely Planet Care.
- Environmentally conscious, People Care - Community and social development, Prosperity Care - Sustainable economic development through restaurants with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. reduce waste generation to return value to the environment sustainably in line with the ESG campaign, which is the key to the organization's business standards
- The Group has been selected as a Sustainable Stock (THSI) for the year 2022 for the 2nd consecutive year in the agriculture and food industry group from the Stock Exchange of Thailand. The score was 50 % in economic, socialand environmental dimensions.
- The Group received the Sustainability Model Organization award for supporting people with disabilities, which was presented by the SEC for the first year as a result of the Group's provision of employees with disabilities to work in the company both at the storefront and at the head office, as well as supporting the community of people with disabilities.
- The Group received a Corporate Governance (CG) rating for the year 2022 at the level of "Excellent" or 5 stars for the 2nd year according to the assessment by the Association for the Promotion of Institutions. Thai Director (IOD)
- To expand its retail business, the Group has invested in ZEN and Kosum Interfoods Co., Ltd (ZKC) by holding 51% of shares through Zen & Spicy Co., Ltd.This joint venture is considered an important business expansion for ZCG. The joint venture company will be the main production base to fully support the Company’s food and retail business expansion plans both in Thailand and abroad. It covers the production of seasonings, including products that are currently on the market, such as fermented fish sauce, dipping sauces, spicy salad dressings, fermented fish chilli paste, etc., and products that will be developed in the future such as fermented fish sauce (mixed with cannabis), etc. It operates out of contract manufacturing (OEM) for the operators in Thailand and overseas, which is a market with huge growth potential. There is also a plan to expand products under the Company’s brands.
- In May, the Group launched a new CRM system in form of “Zen Group Sookciety” application, which combines the member benefits of all 4 Japanese brands of Zen Group into a single application. This is in order to make it more convenient for members to eat and collect points for sharing discounts between affiliated brands. It is also considered a strategy to create Omni Channel of Zen Group through Big Data, making it easier to reach customers both online and offline channels. 12 Zen Corporation Group Public Company Limited Part 1.1 Page 13
- All restaurant brands in the chain have been certified with the symbol of hygiene safety standard “SHA” (Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration) from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Ministry of public health by the Department of Disease Control and Department of Health, Department of Health Service Support, government and private agencies in the tourism industry. This helps build consumer confidence in using the restaurant services of the Group.
- Received 3 awards in Thailand Franchise Award 2021event from the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce. Khiang brand received Franchise Shining Star award, Tummour brand received 2 awards, Best Thai Food Franchise and Best Large Thai Franchise. This represents the quality standard of franchise business management of the Group.
- To be selected as Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) 2021 from the Stock Exchange of Thailand. This is a result of our commitment in developing business operations towards sustainable growth, balancing business practices, responsibility to stakeholders as well as environment, society and governance.
- Received the corporate governance (CG) rating of “Excellent” or 5 stars in 2021 from the Thai Institute Of Directors (IOD).
- In October, the Group introduced a new brand, “Khiang Kaeng Tai” which is a sub-brand of Khiang offering Southern food characterized by spicy taste and a variety of menus such as Fermented Fish Entrails Soup, Southern StirFried Pork with Yellow Curry Paste, Sour Soup with Shrimp and Southern Curry with Spareribs, etc. The first branch is at PTT gas station, Muang Thong Thani.
- The Group started to establish branches in the form of Cloud Kitchen to strengthen business expansion through delivery channels. The aim is to expand service points and reduce the risk of restaurant closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. At present, there are more than 3 branches in the form of Cloud Kitchen.
- The Group established a joint venture company under the name of “Gin Dee Yudee 2020 Company Limited” on February 18, 2020, with a registered capital of 30.0 million baht, in which the Group holds 25% stake through Zen & Spicy Co., Ltd. to faster and more efficiently expand the restaurants under the Khiang brand in 14 southern provinces
- ZRH reduced its registered capital of 225.0 million baht from 300.0 million baht, resulting in the remaining registered capital of 75.0 million baht
- March 2019, expanding ZEN Box in order to respond to the rushing consumer behavior with the food concept of Grab and Go focusing on healthy foods for good health in an urgent lifestyle. The menu mainly consists of various fish and fresh vegetables such as Maki Wrap, salads and various Onigiri.
The extraordinary meeting of ZCG 1/2018 on has approved the following:
- Conversion to a public company limited under ZEN Corporation Group (PLC)
- Change the share value from 10.0 Baht to 1.0 Baht per share.
- Increase the company's registered capital to 159,375,000.0 Baht comprising of 159,375.00.0 ordinary shares at THB1.0 each. The company allocated the ordinary shares as follow:
- Right Offering additional 84,375,000 ordinary shares to existing shareholders. The company has settled additional ordinary shares as of and
- Offering 75,000,000 new ordinary shares to public as its Initial Public Offering (IPO).
- After the ordinary share offering, the company's total registered capital would be 300,000,000.0 Baht, divided to 300,000,000 ordinary shares at THB1.0 each.
- The company bought 2 outlets of Sushi Cyu Jpanaese premium restaurant brand to expand its capacity to fulfill premium customers' demand and operated under GGG.
The shareholders of the 2 Sushi Cyu restaurants signed an agreement that they would not operate the same or similar business, which is deemed a competitor of Sushi Cyu, within 5 years of the contract signing date.
- The company revised the Japanese menu and presented Musha by Zen, a small Japanese restaurant, under ZRH's umbrella to reach low to middle class income customers and to increase channels and agilities for its franchise business.
- The company added other restaurant related businesses to reach more consumers as well as enhance channels for profit-making such as food delivery, catering, restaurant management and restaurant consultancy service for restaurants that would like to standardize their restaurant management system or recover from difficult business complications and food retail business that offers Ready-to-Cook and Ready-to-Eat food at the restaurant outlets.
- ZCG increased 5.6 million Baht in registered capital comprising of 562,000 ordinary shares at THB10.0 each. The total registered capital became 140.6 million Baht as a part to purchase Tummour Thai restaurant brand.
- To cover more customers segments and diversify business risks as well as penetrate in franchise business, the company purchased Tummour brand, a leading Northeastern Thai food (E-sarn). The brand consists of Tummour, Lao Yuan, Pho, Jaew Hon and Granny Chicken Rice, Krua Thai, Teppan and KOUN by acquired all of the ordinary shares of SYN and ZPC from the former shareholders. ZCG has been holding 100.0% of SYN and ZPC.
- The company founded ZSM on 2 December 2015 with 70.0 million Baht registered capital comprising of 700,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each to manage supply chain for the company's restaurants.
- AKF increased its registered capital additional 30.0 million Baht comprising of 300,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each. The total registered capital was 80.0 million Baht to facilitate the business restructure and outlet expansion.
- OTT added 17.0 million Baht to its registered capital comprising of 170,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each. The total registered capital was 25.0 million Baht to facilitate business restructure and outlet expansion.
- The shareholders founded ZCG or the company on with 135.0 million Baht registered capital distributed to 13,500,000 ordinary shares at THB10.0 each to support holding company's operations and the business restructure. ZCG acquired all shares of ZRH, AKF, OTT and GGG from former shareholders. After the restructure, ZCG has held 100.0% of the shares in 4 subsidiaries.
- The company opened the first Tetsu premium grilled restaurant at Central Embassy under GGG.
- AKF additionally increased its registered capital 20.0 million Baht, having 200,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each, which resulted in total registered of 50.0 million Baht to support business restructure and outlet expansion.
- GGG added 18.0 million Baht to its registered capital, having 180,000 oridinary shares at THB100.0 each. Therefore, its registered capital reached 30.0 million Baht to facilitate the business restructure and outlet expansion.
- ZRH increased its registered capital 29.0 million Baht additionally, having 290,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each. Thus, the total registered capital was 30.0 million Baht to support business restructure and outlet expansion.
The shareholders restructured the organization to increase efficiency and business clarity by
- Setting up ZRH on 24 June 2011 with 1.0 million Baht registered capital, divided to 10,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 per share to operate ZEN restaurant brands. ZRH gradually acquired primary assets of all the ZEN brand restaurants.
- Establishing OTT on 15 August 2011 with 8.0 million Baht registered capital, divided to 80,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each to run On the Table restaurant brand. OTT progressively purchased primary assets for of all On the Table restaurant brand.
- Setting up GGG on 26 August 2011 with 12.0 million Baht registered capital, divided to 120,000 ordinary shares at THB100.0 each to manage Japanese premium restaurants. GGG obtained all of the primary assets of the company's Japanese premium restaurant.
- AKF was founded on 30 August 2011 with 30.0 million Baht registered capital, divided to 300,000 ordinary shares of THB100.0 each to run AKA restaurants and gradually obtained all of the AKA primary assets.
- After ZEN's Japanese restaurant's continuous outlets expansion success, the company added variety to the Japanese restaurants offering AKA, Yakiniku - Japanese style grilled restaurant, at Central World, Royal Garden Pattaya and Central Plaza Rama II in 2007.
- In 2009, the company offered the first "Tokyo Café" lifestyle restaurant, On the table, at Central World.
- After the success of the first ZEN Japanese restaurant under ZEN brand, the company aimed to expand continuously and foreseen increasing buying power and consumers' demands for Japanese food in upcountry market. ZEN opened its first provincial outlet at Central Plaza Airport Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai province in 2003.
- The shareholders foreseen the opportunities in premium Japanese restaurant market in Thailand and launched the first Japanese restaurant under ZEN brand in Thonglor, marking ZEN the first Japanese restaurant establishment that targets to deliver authentic Japanese food produced from premium ingredients and service for premium customers.
Management Structure
Vision
"to be the popular and trusted food business leader for consumers, business allies and stakeholders."
Mission
4 important mission groups are consumers, employees, society & environment and shareholders:
- Consumers : highest customers' satisfaction through unique tasty food produced from quality ingredients and enhanced with great service.
- Employees : corporate culture practice that honors respects and employees engagement. Happy work environment will inspire and yield better life quality for the employees.
- Society and Environment : strict corporate governance observation and sustainable improvement determination the society and environment.
- Shareholders : add values to shareholders with growing and sustaining profit growth.
Business Goals
The company targets to become the leader in food service with the sale target of 10,000 million Baht by 2023.
Nature of Business
ZEN Corporation Group Public Company Limited (The Company or ZEN Group) operates its businesses as a holding company, holding the shares of other companies in restaurant industry and other related businesses through operations of its subsidiaries consisting of ZEN Restaurant Holding Company Limited (ZRH), AKA Interfood Company Limited (AKA), Tokyo Concept CompanyLimited (OTT), Gyu Grill Group Company Limited (GGG), Spice Synergy Company Limited (SYN), ZEN and Spicy Company Limited (ZPC), ZEN Supply Chain Management Company Limited (ZSM), Zen And Kosum Interfood Company Limited (ZKC), King Marine Foods Company Limited ( KMF) and other related businesses which can be grouped to be the main businesses as follows
- Restaurant Businesses under the Group’s brands
- Franchise Businesses under the Group’s brands
- Retail Food Business
- Other related Businesses
Franchise Businesses under the Group’s brands Currently, there are a total of 13 restaurant brands under the operations of the Group, which can be divided into 2 groups: Japanese restaurant brands 8 brands and Thai restaurant brands 5 brands as follows: ZEN, ZENBOX, AKA Yakiniku, AKA Shabu, On the Table Tokyo café, Tetsu, Sushi Cyu Carnival Yakiniku, Din’s, Tummour, LaoYuan, Pho, de Tummour, Khiang.
Franchise business under company own brands The company offers 2 franchise types (1) the company chosen a specific brand and location to the prospect franchisee and (2) the franchisee chosen a specific brand and location proposal to the company for review and approval.
Retail Food Business The Group operates food retails such as seasoning products, frozen seafood products and other imported foods which are used as ingredients for cooking, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-eat products.
Other related Businesses There are restaurant-related services under the Group's brands, such as food delivery and on-site catering services.
BUSINESS STRENGTHS AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
The company's continuous development on the restaurant brands has earned its solid reputation and long-established respect in the industry.
The company offers variety of restaurant brands to cover all consumers' segments, including relevant business expansion to enhance long term growth.
The company has been able to rapidly expand the outlets from utilizing its own investment and franchising, which reduce overall investment risk and produce continuous profit.
The company has ongoing good business relationship with partners and customers.
The company has efficient research, development and new business team.
The company employs experienced executives with food industry background.