Nan Xiang Express is a fast-casual Chinese restaurant franchise focused on authentic Shanghainese comfort food. The brand is best known for its signature soup dumplings, also called xiao long bao.

The menu also includes noodles, rice bowls, potstickers, scallion pancakes, and classic Chinese street-food items. Nan Xiang Express operates in a modern, quick-service format designed for dine-in, takeout, and delivery.

The Nan Xiang brand originated in 2006 with the opening of Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in New York City. The original restaurant gained national recognition and consistent Michelin Guide listings for its traditional soup dumplings.

Nan Xiang Express was later developed as a fast-casual concept to make these flavors more accessible. The express model preserves the core recipes and culinary techniques of the original restaurant.

Nan Xiang Express is headquartered in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. The brand began franchising in the early 2020s, with the first express locations opening around 2022.

Training

Nan Xiang Express provides a detailed, multi-level training program for franchisees and their designated staff:

1. Initial Training Program: The program includes 56 hours of classroom and 56 hours of on-the-job training covering key areas such as brand culture, marketing, inventory, food preparation, customer service, and POS systems. Training is conducted at an approved facility in New York or New Jersey.
2. Mandatory Completion: All “Mandatory Trainees,” including the General Manager and Managing Owner, must successfully complete the Initial Training Program before restaurant operations begin. Failure to do so may result in franchise agreement termination.
3. On-Site Opening Support: Nan Xiang Express sends representatives to assist with the restaurant’s grand opening for five days. Franchisees must reimburse all associated travel and living expenses.
4. Ongoing Training: Franchisees may be required to attend periodic refresher or development training programs. These sessions may incur additional training fees (currently $300/day), plus expenses.
5. Training for New Managers: Any new General Manager hired during the term must also complete the Initial Training Program before assuming responsibilities.

Territory Protection

Nan Xiang Express offers conditional territory protection through a “Protected Territory,” typically defined as a 2-block radius in metropolitan areas or a 3-mile radius in non-metropolitan zones. This protection applies only if a geographic area is specifically designated in Exhibit C of the Franchise Agreement.

Even with a Protected Territory, Nan Xiang Express reserves the right to conduct competing business outside that area and may reduce or revoke protection if the franchisee breaches the agreement.

The franchisor can also use various distribution channels, including internet and retail sales, even within the Protected Territory. Therefore, while some protection is offered, it is limited, non-exclusive, and subject to revocation.