Fast-casual restaurant franchise serving Thai cuisine, including stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes, offering bold flavors and authentic Thai recipes.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
4
+
-43%
-43%
Franchise fee
?
$30,000
Investment
?
$494,000 - $833,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Thai Express embarked on its culinary journey in 2004, establishing itself as a pioneer in the Thai cuisine segment. That same year, the brand began offering franchise opportunities.
Rapidly gaining a foothold in the Canadian market, Thai Express has since expanded to numerous locations globally, solidifying its status in the fast-casual dining arena with a focus on Thai cuisine.
The brand's swift expansion is a result of its distinctive approach within the fast-casual dining space, delivering authentic Thai dishes that are both fresh and quick to prepare. Originating in Canada, Thai Express has become a key player in the industry, with an impressive number of locations domestically and internationally.
The brand operates under the umbrella of the MTY Group, a Canadian conglomerate renowned for its expertise in managing and growing various franchise concepts. MTY Grouphas been instrumental in the franchising and operational success of Thai Express, aiding its growth and maintaining high standards of quality and service across all outlets.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Thai Express franchise is
$494,000 - $833,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Thai Express offers 2 options:
Type of Restaurant
Initial Investment Range
Restaurant Standard Location
$494,050 to $814,200
Restaurant Food Court Location
$532,400 to $832,500
The investment information below is based on the estimated initial investment for a Restaurant Standard Location.
For more information on the costs required to start a Thai Express franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$24,000 to $30,000
Electricity, Water, Gas, Telephone and Landlord’s Deposits
$7,000 to $10,000
Lease Deposit plus Three Months’ Rent
$17,500 to $52,500
Permits
$1,000 to $3,000
Landlord Capital Contribution / Construction Chargeback
$0
Store Construction, Leaseholds and Fixtures
$200,000 to $345,000
Exhaust
$35,000 to $45,000
Exhaust Ecology Unit
$25,000 to $65,000
Equipment Package
$85,000 to $100,000
Furniture
$5,000 to $15,000
Store Design and Architectural Fees
$7,500 to $10,000
Engineering Fees - Mechanical, Electrical
$6,500 to $8,500
Engineering Fees - Structural
$2,500 to $5,000
Construction Management Fee
Variable
Signs
$7,500 to $14,000
Menu Box
$7,500 to $12,000
Opening Uniform Package
$700 to $1,200
Small Wares
$6,500 to $9,500
Opening Promotion and Advertising
$750 to $5,000
Grand Opening Marketing Fee
$10,000
Security System
$0 to $3,000
Training Attendance
$500 to $2,500
Insurance
$850 to $3,500
POS System
$3,500 to $14,000
Additional Funds - First 3 Months
$25,250 to $35,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$494,050 to $814,200
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Thai Express offers 2 options:
Type of Restaurant
Initial Investment Range
Restaurant Standard Location
$494,050 to $814,200
Restaurant Food Court Location
$532,400 to $832,500
The investment information below is based on the estimated initial investment for a Restaurant Standard Location.
For more information on the costs required to start a Thai Express franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$24,000 to $30,000
Electricity, Water, Gas, Telephone and Landlord’s Deposits
$7,000 to $10,000
Lease Deposit plus Three Months’ Rent
$17,500 to $52,500
Permits
$1,000 to $3,000
Landlord Capital Contribution / Construction Chargeback
$0
Store Construction, Leaseholds and Fixtures
$200,000 to $345,000
Exhaust
$35,000 to $45,000
Exhaust Ecology Unit
$25,000 to $65,000
Equipment Package
$85,000 to $100,000
Furniture
$5,000 to $15,000
Store Design and Architectural Fees
$7,500 to $10,000
Engineering Fees - Mechanical, Electrical
$6,500 to $8,500
Engineering Fees - Structural
$2,500 to $5,000
Construction Management Fee
Variable
Signs
$7,500 to $14,000
Menu Box
$7,500 to $12,000
Opening Uniform Package
$700 to $1,200
Small Wares
$6,500 to $9,500
Opening Promotion and Advertising
$750 to $5,000
Grand Opening Marketing Fee
$10,000
Security System
$0 to $3,000
Training Attendance
$500 to $2,500
Insurance
$850 to $3,500
POS System
$3,500 to $14,000
Additional Funds - First 3 Months
$25,250 to $35,500
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$494,050 to $814,200
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Thai Express's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document. Sign up for free to view the document.
Number of units
Thai Express had 5 total units in 2026, of which 4 were franchised-owned and 1 company-owned.
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The franchisor offers an extensive training program designed to equip franchisees with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a Thai Express franchise. This program consists of two main components: "In-Store Training" and "New Owner Training."
In-Store Training
Duration: Approximately 160 hours
Content: Practical, hands-on experience in a store environment
New Owner Training
Duration: Approximately 40 hours
Content: Focuses on the operational and managerial aspects of running a Thai Express franchise
Participation in this training is mandatory for both the franchisee and their Designated Manager. The curriculum covers a wide range of business operations, including system standards, food preparation, customer service, and management practices.
Territory Protection
The Thai Express franchise agreement designates a specific location, referred to as the "Licensed Location," where the franchise is to be operated. Franchisees are obligated to conduct their business solely from this Licensed Location and must seek written approval from the franchisor before considering any relocation of their Thai Express Restaurant.
The agreement strictly forbids franchisees from operating their business from any location other than the Licensed Location without the franchisor's written consent. This includes limitations on unauthorized catering or delivery services and any sales through alternative distribution channels, including online platforms, that extend beyond the Licensed Location.
It is important to note that the franchise agreement does not grant an exclusive territory to the franchisee. As a result, franchisees may encounter competition from other franchisees, franchisor-owned or affiliate-owned outlets, or other distribution channels or competing brands managed by the franchisor.
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