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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Business

Mud & Hound upbeat on sales outlook

Mr Pakin, centre, says the company plans to open 3-5 new Greyhound Cafe outlets per year.

SET-listed restaurant and bakery chain Mud & Hound Plc, formerly Mudman Plc, the operator of Greyhound Cafe and Au Bon Pain, aims to double overall sales to 1.5 billion baht in 2027.

According to Pakin Phenpakkul, the chief operating officer, under the five-year expansion plan starting from 2023, the company plans to open 3-5 new Greyhound Cafe outlets per year, from an average of 1-2 branches in previous years, leading the total number of Greyhound Cafe branches to tally 35-45 in 2027.

Each new outlet requires an investment of 15-40 million baht, depending on the size. Each branch will be uniquely and distinctively designed to match each location.

"Following the epidemic, brands have learned that people's lifestyles have changed, and as a result, the direction of business operations has shifted significantly. Everything must be adaptable and quick to [adapt to] new situations. After overcoming the most challenging times during Covid-19, we now feel confident to resume our expansion,'' Mr Pakin said.

Last week, the company opened Greyhound Ratyo, a new Greyhound business model, in a 250-square-metre space at The Avenue Ratchayothin which allows friends to gather and socialise after work while listening to music.

Greyhound Ratyo provides a casual and friendly atmosphere to accommodate urban lifestyles, appealing to today's trends and attracting new generations in addition to existing customers.

"Originally, each Greyhound Cafe branch had a modern and contemporary atmosphere and design concept. However, consumer trends have shifted as they are drawn to new places where they can enjoy taking beautiful photos to share with friends, and they seek out unconventional and novel ideas,'' Mr Pakin said.

The New Greyhound Cafe concept will be opened at Med Park Hospital and Ratchaphruek. Each branch will have a distinct personality.

Moreover, the company has made a significant change to its menu at Another Hound Cafe this year, combining Thai and Asian flair, aiming to increase spending per head to 700-800 baht, up from the current 600 baht.

In addition to new dishes, it also plans to renovate branches of Another Hound Cafe at The Emporium, Siam Paragon and The Embassy next year.

Thanan Pongwichit, general manager of Greyhound Cafe Co, said the company has reached more customers by launching its newest brand, Beanhound by Greyhound Café, in April, offering both basic and specialty coffees at reasonable prices.

Currently, there are two Beanhound coffee shops in Bangkok and 4-5 new branches will be opened in the next 2-3 months of this year and 20 new branches next year.

Mr Pakin said Mud & Hound also plans to open each 5-10 new branches of Au Bon Pain per year for the next five years. The number of Au Bon Pain outlets will reach 85-110 in 2027.

Additionally, it will open 150 Dunkin Donut shops and kiosks this year and another 100 outlets next year.

Currently, there are 560 Dunkin Donut shops and kiosks nationwide.

It will also open a two-storey premium international buffet outlet on a two-rai plot of land on Rama IV Road by the middle of next year.

With the plan, the firm expects to boost its sales to 750-800 million baht this year, compared with 840-900 million in 2019.

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