Chinese hotpot chain Haidilao International Holding announced Monday that it will launch a franchise model to further support the expansion of its restaurant network, reports Caixin. In a filing with the Hong Kong Exchange, Haidilao said it has set up a franchise department to formulate the details of the franchise model and the business cooperation process.
Franchised restaurants will be provided with central and back-office services, such as staff training, supply chain system, management experience, food safety control, brand marketing services and performance appraisal by the group, to ensure food safety as well as customer experience, the company said.
Wang Ming, a franchisee in Zhengzhou, told Caixin that he is interested in joining Haidilao’s franchise network, but not clear what the company’s requirements might be. He currently operates several hotpot chain franchise restaurants as well as bubble tea chain franchise stores. Another franchisee operator said he expects Haidilao would have strict requirements.