TJI’s Multi-Brand Strategy Grows with Marugame Franchise in Hong Kong

14 November 2023

(Hong Kong, 14 November 2023) — Tam Jai International Co. Limited (“TJI”, “Tam Jai International” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; HKEX stock code: 2217), one of the leading and renowned restaurant groups in Hong Kong, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a master franchise agreement (the “Master Franchise Agreement”) with its controlling shareholder, Toridoll Holdings Corporation  (“Toridoll Japan”), for the operation of the restaurant business under the Japanese udon noodle brand, “Marugame Seimen”, in Hong Kong. This strategic move represents an exciting opportunity for the Group to expand its brand portfolio and market presence.

The Master Franchise Agreement has an initial term of three years commencing on 13 November 2023 and ending on 12 November 2026, and may be renewed subject to mutual agreement of both parties and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. Under the agreement, the Group will be granted exclusive rights in Hong Kong to establish and operate the “Marugame Seimen” restaurant business, and license unaffiliated third party(ies) to develop and operate the franchised restaurants (the “Marugame Franchise”).

Having successfully established itself as the market leader in the mixian (rice noodle) business in Hong Kong, entering the Japanese udon noodle business through the Master Franchise Agreement will help the Group expand its operations in the city as part of its growth strategy and commitment to diversification. With TJI’s proven success and management expertise in Hong Kong, coupled with Toridoll Japan’s professionalism and the authenticity of its renowned Japanese food products, the Company believes the franchise arrangement will enable the Group to leverage its know-how and best practices to ensure successful operations and scale the business more efficiently with a shorter implementation timeline and at lower costs.

Mr. Daren Lau, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tam Jai International, said, “Building on our success in providing store management services to Marugame, we are delighted to take it a step further and operate the business of this renowned noodle brand in Hong Kong through franchise arrangements. The strategic collaboration with our shareholder, Toridoll Japan, offers tremendous synergies and opportunities to expand our market reach.  Growing beyond our established presence in the mixian arena in Hong Kong, this new venture paves the way for further diversification of our brand portfolio, thereby driving the overall growth of the Group’s business.”