photo: Taco Bell Burrito (Source: Taco Bell Thailand’s Facebook)
Mexican-inspired fast-food restaurant chain, Taco Bell is gearing up for expansion into Southeast Asia. Siam Taco, a Thai franchisee of the chain is currently in early talks with the franchiser to operate the brand in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
Siam Taco is a joint venture between Thoresen Thai Agencies and the Mahagitsiri family-owned CM Capital. The JV operates five restaurants in Thailand with plans to grow its network to 40 restaurants within the next five years. According to Siam Taco director Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, the huge market potential in these countries is what is attracting the company to expand there.
Taco Bell Asia Pacific and Middle East MD Ankush TuliTuli says Thailand and the rest of Asia Pacific will be the key sales drivers for the brand. The first restaurants are set to open in Indonesia and Malaysia in 2020, with plans to double its overseas network to more than 500 over the next few years.