FRANCHISE DEAL FOR KAZOKUTEI RESTAURANTS

       The Oishi Group, a local leader in Japanese food and beverage, last week signed a five-year franchise contract to introduce Kazokutei soba- and udon-noodle restaurants in Thailand.The company also has right to renew the franchise for another five years after the contract expires.
       Group managing director Tan Passakornatee said the introduction of Kazokutei would serve the great potential of Thailand's noodle culture and was in line with the company's strategy of opening up new market segments following the great success of its ramen-noodle restaurants.
       Kazokutei is the No-1 soba and udon restaurant in Japan. The company plans to open as many as 20 in Thailand within five years.
       Tan said his company would spend Bt50 million to open five restaurants in the first year. Locations in central Bangkok frequented by Japanese, such as Sukhumvit Soi 39, will be sought. Each Kazokutei restaurant will employ 20-30 staff.
       The opening of new franchised restaurants will help it make better use of its new noodle machine being installed at the company's factory in the Navanakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani province.
       Tan said Thailand was among the first international markets for Kazokutei franchises.
       In addition to the Kingdom, Kazokutei has also signed franchise agreements with local investors in China and Singapore.
       Tan said the Oishi Group expected this year's sales to increase 20 per cent to Bt7.2 billion.
       Of that, 45 per cent will be from its Japanese restaurants and 55 per cent from its branded beverages: Oishi ready-to-drink green tea, Amino OK functional drinks and Coffio ready-to-drink coffee.
       In addition to managing the Oishi Group, Tan used more than Bt400 million of his own money to develop two hotels in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Pran Buri district: the Moroccan-style Villa Maroc and the Ali Baba boutique hotel.
       "My idea was not to build hotels, but rather architectural art on the beach, to stimulate tourism in the area," said Tan.
       Tan will also develop a new community mall on 9 rai of land on Nimmanahaeminda Road in Chiang Mai, in conjunction with Siam Future Development.
       Another project is an art centre on 5 rai of land, also in Chiang Mai, in cooperation with the Thailand Creative & Design Centre and Thailand Knowledge Park.