Opening A Stall In A Food Court In Bangkok

[garethsekai]

My Thai wife plans to open a stall in a food court in
central Bangkok and would like some
assistance regarding how to go about it. The stall would preferably in located
within the premises of Central or Siam Paragon group shopping centers. We are currently
overseas but plan to survey the market very soon.

Maybe a bit of background about us, we have extensive
experience in operating large scale 200+ seater restaurants overseas as
management level employees but we are not looking to invest that much in a restaurant
yet so we are looking to start small in a food court first. Both of us can cook very well. Aside to that, we
have been living overseas since 2006, and prior to that we have been residing
in Chiang Mai in 2005 (with experience in other small businesses). This is the reason
why we want to be cautious. From my costings, I have budgeted around USD30K for
the start up inclusive of working capital for 6 months.

I tried to google out information but sadly nothing useful
turns out and I will really appreciate any information as we have no experience
in Bangkok but will have friends to
help us out but I will like any preliminary information to work on.

1) Rental pricing in food courts? Any benchmark statistics to work on? I am thinking 50K baht minimum but truly I have no idea.

2) Do we need to show any proof of funds to take up a lease?

3) Do shopping centers take key money? What is a typical security deposit; is it 2
months?

4) Is company formation necessary to obtain a lease in a shopping center? Or can a
Thai individual sign the lease in his own name?

5) What kind of food is typically allowed? I plan to sell Asian food (non-Thai)

6) What is an efficient source of finding employees? Agencies? Internet?

7) For a normal stall, how many customers are anticipated per day?

8) Any quirky rules for setting up in a food court?

9) Any hygiene practices that must be adhered to like compulsive vaccinations etc?

10) Any recommended suppliers to buy kitchen equipment?

11) Do we need agents or lawyers to vet our lease?

12) I am expecting a turnover of 300K baht per month, is this realistic? I will situate myself in a high traffic shopping center.

13) Are renovations on the exterior stall façade necessary or is the renovation usually already done conforming to the design and outlay of the food court theme? And how much do they
usually cost for a small set up if necessary? I will still need to set up a menu board etc though, any idea on costs for this?

Edited March 17, 2013 by garethsekai

[onthemoon]

Food courts are certainly Thai businesses and details negotiated and handled by Thai people.

She needs to talk to Central Retail Corp or The Mall (which is the owner of Siam Paragon).

A friend of mine is a supplier for kitchen equipment, please send me PM.

[rgs2001uk]

12) I am expecting a turnover of 300K baht per month, is this realistic?
I will situate myself in a high traffic shopping center.

10k per day, assuming pat thai sells for 50 baht, thats 200 portions in a 10 hour day, or 20 an hour, one every 3 minutes.

I will situate myself in a high traffic shopping center

As others have mentioned, check out the rental prices, some of them are staggering.

What kind of food is typically allowed? I plan to sell Asian food (non-Thai)

Couldnt tell you whats allowed, although in the Platinum Mall at Pratunam there is plenty of non Thai food sold, your problem may be sourcing staff who can cook it.