According to the Thai Trade Center in Los Angeles, there are currently over 5,000 Thai restaurants in the U.S., making it one of the most popular Asian cuisines in the country. The Asian fast-casual segment is expected to grow by 9% annually through 2023, outpacing other segments of the restaurant industry, according to research by Technomic. An emerging concept to consider is Thai Esane. The brand was established in 2014 by Nina Singto and her husband, Tim, and began franchising in 2023. Franchisees benefit from a proven model and support and training from the franchisor. In terms of support and training, you can expect an initial training program that is broken down into classroom and on-the-job training. During this time, you learn everything you need to know about running the brand. This includes marketing and advertising, hiring, food prep, and more. You'll also be assisted with the grand opening of your location. Support and training are ongoing.
The ideal franchisee is passionate about customer service and providing a quality product. Other values include exuberance, authenticy, and generosity. The brand's mission is simple: "Food is not only how we connect with each other, it’s how we connect with our past. Thai Esane is our way of genuinely expressing love for our community while honoring the traditions that made us who we are. To us, there’s nothing more exciting than telling our story through the food that we’ve enjoyed for generations." In terms of the initial investment, it ranges from $181,500 - $452,000, which includes a one-time initial franchise fee of $30,000.