Hong Kong – Restaurant group Tam Jai International (TJI) has announced its plans to expand its presence in the Philippines and Australia. 

For the Philippines, it has announced a potential franchise partnership with a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate Suyen Corporation. Meanwhile, for its foray into the Australian market, it has announced a joint venture with ST Group Food Industries Holdings Limited.

TJI entered into a memorandum of understanding and heads of terms with BVCUISINE, a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate, Suyen Corporation, in relation to the proposed entry into the Philippine market by way of a franchise arrangement. 

This MoU, made in August this year, will grant an exclusive license to BVCUISINE to set up and operate restaurants under the group’s brands in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, a joint venture company which is 49% owned by TJI and 51% owned by ST Group, has been established and the JV company will be granted the master franchise rights to operate restaurants and associated delivery services under one of the Group’s brands in Australia and New Zealand. 

In addition, the joint venture will be able to enter into further sub-franchise agreements with other partners to facilitate the group’s expansion. TJI also retains the right to open and operate self-operated restaurants in the two countries under the TamJai Yunnan Mixian and TamJai SamGor Mixian brands.

Daren Lau, chairman, executive director and chief executive officer at Tam Jai International, said, “Building upon our investment and the development of a strengthened management team over the past year, we are thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter for TJI with the introduction of a franchising model as we enter the inaugural Western market, Australia, and the Philippines.”

He added, “In particular, our JV partnership with ST Group, an experienced franchised F&B operator in Australia, not only paves the way for a successful and expedited expansion in Australia, but also establishes a strong foundation for future ventures into other Western markets, propelling our mission to bring ‘Tam Jai Taste’ to the world.”