KoLao Group partners with Zen Group to introduce four restaurant brands in Laos

KoLao Group, one of Laos’ leading enterprises, has signed a franchise agreement with Thailand’s Zen Corporation Group Public Company Limited (Zen Group) to introduce four of Zen’s signature restaurant brands to the Lao market.
The partnership aims to expand international dining options for consumers, with the first outlets opening at the Mega Mall Vientiane.
The signing ceremony took place on Thursday (August 21) at the KoLao Tower in Vientiane and was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Grandview Property, a subsidiary of the KoLao Group, Mr Jakkapong Wangtaphun, and the Chief Marketing Officer of the Zen Group, Mr Siruwat Chatchawan.
Mr Siruwat Chatchawan said the partnership with the KoLao Group was an important step in Zen’s international expansion.
He expressed confidence that the company’s diverse concepts and commitment to quality would provide Lao consumers with memorable dining experiences.
The first outlets of all four brands are scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2025 at the upcoming Mega Mall Vientiane.
This collaboration builds on an earlier agreement between the two companies to open 10 Khiang branches in Laos, several of which are already in operation in Nongbone, Sivilay, Phonsinuan, and Meuangnoy villages in Vientiane.
Under the partnership, four restaurant brands will make their debut in Laos, namely ZEN, a premium Japanese restaurant featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients; On the Table, a Tokyo café-inspired outlet serving international fusion dishes; Lao Yuan, an Indochinese-style restaurant offering flavours from across the Mekong region; and Khiang, a Thai street food brand known for bold flavours and signature wok aromas.
The KoLao Group and Zen Group plan to expand further in 2026–2027 with the opening of three ZEN branches, three On the Table branches, three Lao Yuan branches, and 10 additional Khiang branches across the country.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
(Latest Update August 24, 2025)