The political unrest and red-shirt occupation of the Rajprasong area has had only a slight effect on the Minor Food Group's quick-service restaurant chains.
Nongchanok Stananonth, group managing director for Burger King and Sizzler, yesterday said Burger King posted sales growth of 10 per cent year on year in the first four months.
"The demonstration in the Rajprasong area has prompted us to close only one Burger King outlet, in Siam Paragon, but that's only one of 24 operated by the company," she said.
Nongchanok said customer visits remained at a normal rate of two or three a month, with average spending of Bt150 to Bt180.
Burger King yesterday launched its newest flame-grilled BBQ burger for only Bt59.
"We want to attract those who've never tried our burgers before. This four-month campaign will allow us to expand our client base from regular first jobbers to younger people. It will increase our opportunity to reach potential customers," said Nongchanok.
She said the company's regular prices started from Bt99, so the new Bt59 campaign would increase sales 20 per cent during the promotional period.
"We plan to open three new Burger Kings this year, both in Bangkok and upcountry, each one costing Bt12 million to open. We'll also renovate two existing stores, in Pattaya and by khao san Road, and that will cost us Bt7 million to Bt10 million for each one," said Nongchanok.
She said the renovated restaurants would feature a new global image, one that was more trendy and modern. It will take three to five years for all Burger Kings to receive such a facelift.
"As for the present political turmoil, we hope everything can be settled peacefully and that Thailand can return to normal soon, so that people can resume their everyday lives," said Nongchanok.
John Heinecke, vice president of Sizzler Thailand and Chinese company SLRT, forecast Sizzler restaurants would show 10-per-cent year-on-year grow in the first quarter despite the political unrest.
Only two Sizzler branches have been closed due to the anti-government demonstration, in Siam Centre and CentralWorld. The company has 35 Sizzlers in Thailand.
"Sizzler restaurants seem to be the food destination for our customers, 60 per cent of whom are loyal regulars," Heinecke said.
He said that while customers were avoiding central Bangkok during this time of unrest, they still patronised Sizzler branches near their homes.
"During the unrest, we've found our Sizzlers in some central areas, such as Sois Ekamai and Thonglor, continuing to show good year-on-year growth, 4-5 per cent on average. The ones out in the suburbs are enjoying 15-20-per-cent growth," said Heinecke.
He said the company planned to open at least two new Sizzlers this year, in The Mall Tha Phra and Paradise Park on Srinakarin Road.
"I have tremendous faith in Thais' ability to reconcile their differences and make this country the Land of Smiles once again," Heinecke added.