Thai Express Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Number of franchisees

?

0
+
-100%
-100%
Investment required

?

$353,000 - $911,000
Revenue (AUV)

?

$0
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Initial franchise fee

?

$30,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
5.00%
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro
Franchisees

?

0
+
-100%
-100%
Investment required

?

$353,000 - $911,000
Franchise fee

?

$30,000
Royalty fees

?

6.00%
+
5.00%
Revenue (AUV)

?

$0
Undisclosed
Pro
+
n.a.
+
xx%
-xx%
n.a.
Operating Profit

?

n.a.

Pro

Thai Express: A Leader in Thai Cuisine Since 2004

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 Group has 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.

For entrepreneurs looking to join the Thai Express family, the franchise presents an excellent opportunity to be part of a thriving brand within the quick-service restaurant sector, ideal for those passionate about offering authentic and affordable Thai cuisine to their local communities.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Thai Express offers 2 types of franchises:

Type of Franchise Initial Investment Amount
Thai Express Food Court Franchise $352,900 - $839,000
Thai Express Standard Franchise $470,050 - $911,300

We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Thai Expressstandard franchise.

For more information on the various types of franchises and its costs, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).

Thai Expressstandard franchise

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000
Electricity, Water, Gas, Telephone and Landlord’s Deposits $7,000 - $10,000
Lease Deposit plus three months’ rent $17,500 - $52,500
Store Design Fees and Plans $10,000 - $18,000
Permits $1,000 - $3,000
Landlord Capital Contribution / Construction Chargeback $0
Store Construction, Leaseholds and Fixtures $147,000 - $330,000
Exhaust $42,000 - $84,000
Equipment Package $126,000 - $210,000
Furniture $21,000 - $47,000
Signs $7,000 - $21,000
Menu Box $10,000 - $18,500
Opening Uniform Package $700 - $1,200
Small Wares $10,000 - $12,600
Opening Promotion and Advertising $750 - $5,000
Grand Opening Marketing fee $10,000
Security system (does not include monitoring cost) $0 - $3,000
Training Attendance $500 - $2,500
Insurance $850 - $3,500
POS System $3,500 - $14,000
Additional Funds – First 3 months $25,250 - $35,500
Total Unit $470,050 - $911,300

Franchise Disclosure Document

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Training 

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.

Competitors

Franchise
Units
Growth
Initial fee
Investment
Revenue
Gross Profit
Operating Profit
Industry

0

+
-100%
-100%
No growth
New

$30,000

$353,000

-

$911,000

n.a.

$0

Pro

n.a.

Pro

n.a.

Pro

Food & Beverage

Number of units

2024
Franchised units

8

8

0

Company-owned units

1

1

0

Total units

9

9

0

Competitors

Benihana

Investment required
$616,000
-
$6,250,000
Number of franchises
8
+
33%
33%

Ivan Ramen

Investment required
$1,025,000
-
$1,982,000
Number of franchises
0
+
n.a.
n.a.

Waba Grill

Investment required
$341,000
-
$577,000
Number of franchises
184
+
6%
6%

Two Hands Corn Dogs

Investment required
$211,000
-
$350,000
Number of franchises
40
+
900%
900%

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