South Korean pizza brand Mr Pizza has opened its first store in Thailand, with plans to add four more outlets this year.

Its debut store is in the commercial and entertainment district of Ratchada Rd in Bangkok, in the first basement floor of the seven-storey The Street mall.

Mr Pizza owner MPK Group says this is the first foray out of Korea for the franchise, and a second store will open in The Promenade mall in Kannayao, Bangkok, in July.

“Thailand is one of the biggest markets in Southeast Asia, and food and beverage accounts for 40 per cent of the country’s $7 billion franchise industry,” says Son Dong-hee from MPK. “With the popularity of Korean pop culture, I am sure we will be successful in Thailand.”

To prepare for the Thailand franchise business, the Korean food company established a joint venture with Thailand food retailer Foodland Supermarket last year. Foodland Supermarket runs 18 retail stores and about 50 restaurants, including dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan and fusion-food restaurant Long Table.