Minor Food Pushes Bonchon Into Global Markets and Opens CHIHO RAMEN on 30 October
The Minor Food Group targets 4,500 global outlets in 2029, pushing Bonchon into global markets and opening the new CHIHO RAMEN restaurant on 30 October at Lotus's Sukhumvit 50.
The Minor Food Group Public Company Limited, a major restaurant chain operator in the Asia-Pacific region, announced on 29 October 2026 that it will continue to expand its restaurant franchise network in both Thailand and international markets, aiming to increase its global food and beverage outlets to more than 4,500 branches by 2029, whilst elevating Bonchon as a flagship brand for global market expansion and preparing to open a new restaurant under the CHIHO RAMEN brand on 30 October 2026.
Driving Bonchon into Global Markets Backed by Korean Culture
Thunyachate Ekvetchavit, Chief Development Officer of the company, stated that growth through franchising and partnerships with capable partners will enable the company to expand its business more rapidly, drawing on its accumulated expertise in brand development, restaurant management and franchise support systems to position the company as a franchisor trusted by partners worldwide.
Currently, the company has more than 40 restaurant brands in its portfolio, spanning a network of over 3,000 outlets across 27 countries. Following the acquisition of Bonchon International, the company sees an opportunity to expand Bonchon by building on its success in Thailand, the United States and the Philippines into markets in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, supported significantly by the popularity of Korean culture.
Opening New CHIHO RAMEN Restaurant in Partnership with PTTOR and Lotus's
Another development is the launch of the new ramen brand CHIHO RAMEN, which builds on the company's expertise in brand development to diversify its brand portfolio and create a new option for franchise partners interested in investing.
In terms of location expansion, the company is building on its collaboration with PTTOR and Lotus's to bring its restaurant brands into petrol stations and retail spaces, increasing opportunities to reach new consumer groups and accelerating outlet expansion.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| CHIHO RAMEN Launch Date | 30 October 2026 |
| Location | Lotus's Sukhumvit 50 |
| Target Number of Outlets by 2029 | More than 4,500 outlets worldwide |
| Current Brands in Portfolio | More than 40 brands in 27 countries |
| Current Number of Outlets | More than 3,000 outlets |
| Strategic Partners | PTTOR and Lotus's |
Next Target Markets for Business Expansion
The company stated that high-growth markets included in its expansion plans alongside strengthening its presence in Thailand are Indonesia, Vietnam, South Asia and the Middle East, guided by the principle that being a leading franchisor requires strong brands and business models as well as support systems that help partners grow together sustainably.
This news is of interest to entrepreneurs seeking investment opportunities in restaurant franchises, investors tracking the direction of the regional food business, and members of the public who enjoy visiting newly opened restaurants and want to try a new ramen brand like CHIHO RAMEN at Lotus's Sukhumvit 50.