Singapore-headquartered multi-dining concept food and beverage operator Jumbo Seafood has opened its first franchised seafood restaurant in Bangkok.

The 9500sqft venue is the group’s fifth franchised location worldwide, with other outlets established in Fuzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei and Taichung. There are now 16 Jumbo seafood restaurants across Asia. The new Bangkok restaurant is operated by C J Seafood Co under a 10 year term at the IconSiam mega-development complex.

Jumbo’s CEO and executive director Ang Kiam Meng said: “Having a presence in Bangkok allows us to bring our signature Singapore heritage cuisine to yet another Asian destination.”

Jumbo released its unaudited end-of-year financial report at the end of September, showing an increase in revenue by 5.5 per cent compared to last year’s results. Revenue from operations in Singapore increased by SG$2.1 million (US$1.53 million) over the period, a figure dwarfed by the group’s $5.8 million ($4.2 million) increase out of Mainland China.

Jumbo’s reported gross profit hit $96 million ($69.9 million) this financial year, up 4.4 per cent from $91.9 million ($66.9 million) in last year. Profit attributable to owners of the company, however, decreased by 23.8 per cent ($3.5 million/$2.55 million) to $11 million ($8 million) this year.

Michael Arnold – Inside Retail Asia