Luxury pan-Asian restaurant Pan Chai is looking for people with a passion for the restaurant business and the drive to take the prestigious brand nationwide
Currently located in Harrods, Pan Chai plans to roll out across the UK, targeting affluent city centre locations with a high footfall to make the brand synonymous with luxury pan-Asian dining. Menus will include dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Japan.
A provisional member of the British Franchise Association, Pan Chai features in the world famous Harrods Food Hall and offers high-end sushi and other pan-Asian dishes to discerning shoppers and VIPs. Dishes include beautiful sushi and sashimi platters, spicy seafood soups, salads and curry dishes.
Wow factor
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Presentation and the ‘wow’ factor are crucial, so many items are served with dry ice to add theatre and most dishes are prepared at the counter, where customers can see what the chefs are doing.
The restaurant has enjoyed huge success in the two years since its opening and is now looking to expand on that, while a successful appearance at the bfa’s National Franchise Exhibition has seen a large number of prospects emerge.
Pan Chai’s owner Eddie Lim says: “It has long been my ambition to bring high-end, luxurious pan-Asian food to the UK market and I can already see its influence growing. Creating a Pan Chai franchise brings Asian fine dining across the UK and is a great opportunity for anyone looking to become involved with a luxury Asian brand.
“We offer franchisees all the support they need. The different business models on offer give franchisees flexibility to choose what would work best for them and their area of interest and all will deliver the high standards expected of Pan Chai and give them every opportunity to create a loyal customer base.”
Proven system
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Director Andrew Lloyd says: “The brand is unique, exciting and since its launch two years ago Pan Chai has enjoyed tremendous success. Now we are looking for the right people to join us, follow our proven system and establish the Pan Chai brand in other parts of the UK.
“Previous business experience, in particular in franchising, would be a huge advantage, but even more important is that we find people who are passionate about food and the restaurant industry who want to be involved in the day-to-day running of their Pan Chai restaurant and who have a genuine understanding and passion for the ethos of the brand. We deliver high quality products with flair and skill and this needs to be something that franchisees understand and are enthusiastic about.”
Pan Chai is offering three franchise models - casual dining, quick service restaurants and fine dining, the latter being the focus of the franchise launch.
Part of the original Pan Chai concept, the fine dining restaurants will feature visually appealing dishes made with luxury ingredients, elegant décor and highly trained staff to deliver the best dining experience possible.
The casual dining model offers a more relaxed setting and different service style. Customers will still be able to choose from a range of high-end pan-Asian specialities, but with a lower price point. Quick service restaurants offer high quality food, but with the emphasis on quick service and fast table turnaround to ensure maximum spend in short periods of time.
Marketing campaign
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Set-up costs will vary according to location and size of property, but franchisees will be fully supported throughout the entire process. Help with training and recruitment will be provided, as well as comprehensive guidelines for all operational issues and marketing and PR. There will also be a central marketing campaign running throughout the year to boost brand awareness and drive as many new customers to each restaurant as possible.
Andrew Lloyd adds: “The Harrods store is a window to the world where Pan Chai has set the tone for a unique, high-end fine dining experience that every new Pan Chai restaurant will recreate. Asian food is becoming more and more popular in the UK as people’s tastes broaden and they become more adventurous. For the right franchisees, working with Pan Chai will be an amazing opportunity to be part of a premier brand in an exciting and influential environment.”
