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Tag: So Pho

  • Katrina brings So Pho to Shanghai; maiden outlet opened with Ajisen Group

    Katrina brings So Pho to Shanghai; maiden outlet opened with Ajisen Group

    Katrina Group Ltd. (“Katrina” or the “Group”), an established and recognised Food & Beverage (“F&B”) group specialising in multi-cuisine concepts and restaurant operations, today announced that it has opened its first So Pho restaurant in Shanghai under the joint venture (“JV”) company, So Pho International Limited, with Big Benefit Group Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ajisen (China) Holdings Limited (“Ajisen China”, and together with its subsidiaries, collectively, the “Ajisen Group”).

    The BaiLian Chuansha Shopping mall is located in Chuansha New Town in the Shanghai Pudong New Area. The Pudong area is a financial hub of modern China and one of the most populous districts in Shanghai. Nearby landmarks include the Port of Shanghai, the Shanghai Expo and Century Park, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the Jiuduansha Wetland Nature Reserve, and the Shanghai Disney Resort.

    The Group’s outlet in Shanghai is approximately 1,162 square feet with a seating capacity of 42. The location of its maiden outlet enhances the Group’s ability to raise the So Pho brand profile to a wider consumer mix, thus helping to pave the way for further expansion in the region.

    The Group has also opened three new restaurants in Singapore, one each in Causeway Point and Northpoint City under the brand name “So Pho” and one at Suntec City under the brand name “Streats”. The Group looks to complete the opening of its outlets at Marina One and West Mall by end-January2018, which will bring the total number of restaurants operated by the Group to 41. Adding to this, the Group has also signed agreements to open a “Streats” outlet in Tampines 1 and a “So Pho” outlet in Jewel Changi Airport.

    We have made good progress since our listing in July 2016, increasing our total number of restaurants by seven to 41 by end-January 2018. Although conditions have been less than favourable since we listed, we see some improvement in consumer sentiment. With the foundation that we have set, we believe that 2018 is a year with the potential for significant positive development for the Group.

    We will continue to persevere and look ahead for further opportunities to raise our profile and market position in the region.”

    The Group will continue to update the market as and when there are material developments to its business.

  • Ajisen, Katrina Group sign So Pho deal

    Ajisen, Katrina Group sign So Pho deal

    Aiming to grow in China and enter the Hong Kong market, Singapore F&B company Katrina Group has signed an agreement with Big Benefit Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ajisen (China) Holdings.

    Under the deal, Katrina will hold a 30 per cent stake in the JV company, which manages snack bars, cafes, restaurants and other food services. It serves Vietnamese-style dishes under the brand So Pho in China and Hong Kong.

    Katrina founder/CEO/executive chairman Alan Goh says Ajisen is one of the largest restaurant chains in China. ‘This collaboration will extend our geographical reach in China and help us enter the Hong Kong market. It is a bold step in further strengthening Katrina as a regional F&B group.”

    Hong Kong-listed Ajisen China has nearly 700 restaurants in 120 cities and 30 provinces in China and Hong Kong, while Katrina Group, which specialises in multi-cuisine concepts, owns and runs 33 restaurants in Singapore under nine brands including Bali Thai and Streats.

    Ajisen China and Katrina will provide working capital for So Pho International of up to US$1.05 million and $450,000 respectively through an interest-free shareholders’ loan.

    Katrina will also trademark So Pho International in Mainland China with an exclusive right to sub-license and franchise the trade name of “So Pho”.

    “With our strong track record and Katrina’s brand development capabilities, we look forward to growing the So Pho brand in China and Hong Kong,” says Ajisen China founder/chairman/CEO Wai Poon.

  • Katrina Group plans So Pho restaurants for Hong Kong

    Katrina Group plans So Pho restaurants for Hong Kong

    Singapore’s Katrina Group, an F&B business specialising in multi-cuisine concepts, has taken a step toward opening So Pho restaurants in China and Hong Kong.

    It has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with fast-casual restaurant group Ajisen (China) Holdings regarding collaboration on the restaurants. The parties will negotiate and determine if this will be through a franchise or JV, with a definitive agreement expected to be finalised within the next few months.

    Ajisen China, which is listed on the mainboard of Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has a chain of restaurants under different brands in China and Hong Kong.

    Katrina founder/CEO/executive chairman Alan Goh says the collaboration is a step toward the company’s aim of growing its overseas presence and diversifying its revenue stream.

    Katrina Group owns and runs 33 restaurants in Singapore under nine different brands, including Bali Thai and Streats, which services streetfood-style dishes. It also has two restaurants in China.