SELANGOR – In 2021, Malaysian-owned Thai-style noodle chain Boat Noodle obtained the Franchise License, and from then on, the company has been welcoming Malaysian companies and corporations to join its franchise business model.
Boat Noodle is a testament to a food and beverage (F&B) business that is progressive, innovative, and disruptive. The new business model is necessary because of the changes the pandemic had brought upon them. Now with the support of its shareholder formalised in 2016, Toridoll Holdings, Boat Noodle aims to grow its franchise business nationwide with 150 outlets in mind in the next 5 years.
The media event also witnessed the announcement of Boat Noodle’s partnership with Koperasi Pekerja FELDA Malaysia Berhad (KOGUNA) to offer its franchise opportunities to FELDA beneficiaries. This is aligned with its business plan of equipping Malaysians, especially those living in smaller towns or FELDA settlements with business opportunities and bringing the Boat Noodle experience to a wider audience and network nationwide.
Tony Lim Chin Hau, Founder, and CEO of Boat Noodle said that they were honoured to have KOGUNA onboard with them and to be aligned with their vision as supported by KOGUNA Chairman Safie bin Hj. Muda and Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur branch Director, Jaafar bin Ahmad.
“The franchise business model is a new shop-lot concept developed by Boat Noodle because of the changes the pandemic had brought upon us. Now that the economy is opening up, we would like to work together with more Malaysians, especially from the smaller towns who aspire to own their business by providing them the strategic tools to realize their dream.”
“That said, the Boat Noodle brand is no stranger to many Malaysians. With brand familiarity and loyalty as well as proper guidance including operations training, marketing, promotions, etc. from the Boat Noodle management, our franchise owners may enjoy the fruits of their labour from 24 months onwards in running the franchise business. We truly hope to establish a long-term partnership with KOGUNA to open more Boat Noodle stores together.”
Satoshi Suga, Head of Global Expansion, Toridoll Holdings Corporation added, “As a shareholder of Boat Noodle with a 49% stake in the business, we are excited to be working alongside Tony and his team to make this franchise business a success. We believe our global expertise in the F&B would work very well with Tony’s strong local market insights and business acumen to bring a unique business offering to Malaysian franchise owners.”
The announcement took place on June 9, at Boat Noodle’s latest outlet at Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi which marks the first franchise partnership between Boat Noodle and KOGUNA.
Aside from the robust growth, Malaysians can expect to see a refreshed interior that promises to offer a unique customer experience when they dine in any of the Boat Noodle outlets
KOGUNA Chairman Safie said this partnership came at an opportune time as the pandemic has brought unique changes to the economic recovery and sustainability.
“It is great to see Boat Noodle extending business opportunities to the FELDA beneficiaries, especially for the younger generation as they are essential to the nation’s economic development and growth. This is in tandem with KOGUNA’s main function of delivering our investments for greater return for our members. Having been shown Boat Noodle’s expansion plan, we are confident to see the potential Return of Investment that will suit our investment plan,” he added.
KOGUNA is an association established on June 14, 1980 by a group of FELDA staff to increase the economic interests of its members and help in terms of welfare and financial challenges. To date, KOGUNA continues to thrive with a total membership of more than 6,000 members throughout Malaysia with an Accumulated Share Capital of more than RM 22 million.
Operating since 2014, Boat Noodle is known for its authentic Thai-style noodles known locally in Thailand as boat noodle served in small bowls as their signature dish. Over the years, the company has disrupted the market with its unique makan culture, takeaway and delivery concept with Tapau Je which allows customers to enjoy equal goodness at home as well as the franchise business model.
Through the franchise business model, Boat Noodle has successfully opened 9 franchise outlets in the last 6 months in Amanjaya, Sungai Petani, Kedah; Tawau, Sabah; Seri Manjung, Perak; Tamarind Square, Cyberjaya; Bandar Saujana Putra, Kuala Langat; Bandar Sri Permaisuri, Cheras; Presint 15 Putrajaya; Jerteh, Terengganu and Bandar Seri Putra, Bangi.
The business targets to open 20 franchise outlets and 5 corporate stores (solely owned) yearly for the next 3 years. Boat Noodle is also aiming to open an additional 400 outlets globally through the franchise program.
Currently, Boat Noodle has a total of 35 outlets (solely owned) in Malaysia, 7 in Singapore, and 2 in Brunei, and soon to open 4 outlets in the Philippines with additional 10 more domestic outlets this year.
Get more information on their franchise program here.
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