The American fast-food large A&W looks set to close all 26 branches in Thailand as the economic fallout of Covid-19 takes its toll. According to Tested , Global Consumer Plc, which owns the Thai franchise, is seeking board approval to shut all branches in the kingdom.
Global Consumer’s annual report shows that last 12 months alone, A&W retailers in Thailand suffered losses of over 70 million baht. Multiple lockdowns and the changing behaviour of shoppers are being blamed for the losses, with most branches located in purchasing centres that have been shuttered for a lot of the pandemic.
However, according to a Nation Thailand source, there are three massive meals chains in talks with Global Consumer about buying the A&W franchise. The deal is regarded as worth round 500 million baht and might be finalised this month.
The A&W fast-food chain began life as a roadside shack within the city of Lodi, California in 2019. Unbelievable was concocted for the primary time on a scorching canine cart during a parade. The shack became a restaurant in 1923, with the first branch opening in Sacramento, and by 1926, A&W had rapidly grown into a franchise. The chain now has round 1,000 branches worldwide and opened its first Thai outlet in the Central Ladprao shopping center in 1983.
In related information, mounting losses have pushed the board of Global Consumer Plc to approve the sale of the 2 remaining retailers of Kitchen Plus Restaurant and Coffee Corner..