Zen Corporation, the operator of several restaurant chains in Thailand, is resuming its expansion program this year as the F&B industry recovers, according to The Bangkok Post.

CEO of Zen, Boonyoung Tansakul, said after postponing for two years due to Covid-19, the company plans to open 10 to 15 new Aka restaurants across hypermarkets and Robinson Lifestyle Malls this year. The company also aims to boost its Aka store network from 28 now to 100 by 2025. 

Meanwhile, Zen’s cafe brand, On the Table, which wasn’t severely affected by the pandemic, will rebrand this year to target younger customers. Three more On the Table stores are slated to open later this year. 

Tansakul said that, as part of the company’s strategy, it will shift its focus to a hybrid restaurant model, offering a la carte and premium Japanese buffet under the same roof. Some 29 out of 44 Zen restaurants within the country have changed to the hybrid concept. 

“More robots may be needed to serve customers who need an experience beyond just food,” Tansakul told the Bangkok Post. 

He also added that a Zen flagship restaurant and Grab&Go concept store will be opened at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center and Muang Thong Thani in this year’s third quarter.