1991
270
$10,000
$5,000
$50,000
No
Asian Chao, established in 1991 at Orlando's Florida Mall, is a fast-casual restaurant chain renowned for its signature Bourbon Chicken and a diverse menu of Asian-inspired dishes.As part of Food Systems Unlimited, Asian Chao has expanded its presence across the United States, offering a unique blend of quick-service dining with authentic Asian flavors.The brand's commitment to quality, freshness, and customer satisfaction has solidified its position as a leader in the Asian QSR sector.
Proven Brand Recognition: With over three decades of operational excellence, Asian Chao has established a strong brand presence in food courts nationwide.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The franchise offers a wide range of dishes, including Bourbon Chicken, Orange Chicken, Beef & Broccoli, and vegetarian options, catering to diverse customer preferences.
Strategic Locations: Situated in high-traffic areas such as malls and airports, Asian Chao attracts a steady stream of customers seeking quick, flavorful meals.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support in operations, marketing, and supply chain management, ensuring a smooth and profitable business journey.
Established Year:
Asian Chao was founded in 1991 at the Florida Mall in Orlando, Florida. The brand started as a single food court location, aiming to bring authentic Asian flavors to fast-casual dining in the United States.
Founders:
The franchise was founded by Biagio Schiano, who envisioned creating a menu that combined bold Asian-inspired flavors with high-quality, quick-service dining. The founder’s expertise in food service and commitment to operational excellence helped shape the brand’s early growth.
Ownership:
Asian Chao is currently owned and operated under Food Systems Unlimited, Inc., a parent company that also manages other popular restaurant brands like Maki of Japan, Chao Cajun, Sushi Fuji, and Tobu. This ownership structure provides franchisees with access to resources, supply chains, and operational expertise across multiple brands.
Franchise Units:
The brand has grown steadily since its inception and currently has approximately 35 franchise locations across 17 U.S. states. These units are primarily located in high-traffic food courts, shopping malls, and retail centers, which ensures strong foot traffic and customer flow.
Brand Journey and Company History:
1991: First Asian Chao location opened in Orlando, Florida.
1990s-2000s: Rapid expansion through food courts in malls across the U.S., leveraging the popularity of Asian-inspired quick-service meals.
2010s: Integration into the Food Systems Unlimited portfolio, which strengthened operational support, marketing, and supply chain management.
Present: Recognized as a trusted and reputable Asian QSR brand, with a loyal customer base and continued expansion opportunities in untapped U.S. markets.
Market Presence in the USA:
Asian Chao has a strong footprint in food courts and retail environments in multiple states, primarily in urban and suburban locations with high shopper traffic. This positions the franchise as a go-to choice for convenient, flavorful Asian cuisine.
Industry Category:
Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR)
Asian Cuisine
Fast-Casual Dining
Other Information:
Asian Chao is known for its signature Bourbon Chicken, as well as diverse menu items such as Orange Chicken, Beef & Broccoli, and vegetarian-friendly options. Being part of Food Systems Unlimited gives franchisees access to shared marketing strategies, supplier networks, and operational best practices, which reduces the risk of launching a new location.
Asian Chao provides a comprehensive support system to ensure that franchisees can successfully operate their restaurants and maximize profitability. The support spans pre-launch, operational, marketing, academic, and ongoing assistance.
Before opening a franchise location, Asian Chao assists franchisees with every step of preparation:
Site Selection: Guidance in identifying high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, airports, and retail centers that are ideal for maximum customer exposure.
Lease Negotiation: Support in negotiating favorable lease terms with landlords to ensure cost-effectiveness and long-term viability.
Store Design & Layout: Assistance with interior design, kitchen layout, and signage to ensure operational efficiency and a consistent brand look.
Equipment & Supply Procurement: Guidance on sourcing approved kitchen equipment, POS systems, and initial inventory to maintain quality standards.
Asian Chao provides hands-on training programs to equip franchisees and their staff with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful location:
Food Preparation: Step-by-step instruction on menu items, portion control, recipe standardization, and food safety compliance.
Customer Service: Training to ensure a consistent and high-quality customer experience.
Inventory Management: Guidance on stock levels, ordering schedules, and minimizing food waste.
Point-of-Sale (POS) System Training: Instruction on using the franchise POS system for transactions, reporting, and tracking sales data.
Staff Management: Training for hiring, scheduling, and training employees to maintain operational efficiency.
Franchisees receive guidance to effectively promote their business and attract customers:
National Marketing Campaigns: Participation in brand-wide promotions and advertising campaigns.
Local Marketing Strategies: Support for social media marketing, local promotions, and community engagement to increase foot traffic.
Promotional Materials: Access to professionally designed menus, signage, and marketing collateral.
Digital Marketing Guidance: Assistance in managing online presence, reviews, and local search visibility.
Asian Chao ensures franchisees remain up-to-date and competitive through continuous support:
Refresher Courses: Periodic training updates for franchise owners and staff on new menu items, operational improvements, and industry best practices.
Performance Monitoring: Regular operational reviews to identify areas of improvement and ensure compliance with brand standards.
Supply Chain Assistance: Ongoing guidance on sourcing ingredients and negotiating with approved suppliers.
Problem-Solving & Consultation: Access to franchise support staff for addressing operational, financial, or marketing challenges.
Asian Chao encourages networking between franchisees, sharing best practices and lessons learned.
Participation in conferences, webinars, and meetings organized by Food Systems Unlimited to foster community support and collaboration.
Asian Chao seeks franchisees who are not just investors, but passionate entrepreneurs capable of upholding the brand’s standards and driving growth. The ideal franchisee combines business acumen with a love for the foodservice industry.
Proactive & Motivated: Franchisees should be self-driven and able to take initiative in managing and growing their location.
Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to quickly address operational challenges and implement solutions efficiently.
Commitment to Excellence: Focus on maintaining high standards in food quality, service, and cleanliness.
Preferred Experience: Experience in retail management, restaurant operations, or customer service is advantageous but not mandatory.
Leadership Skills: Capable of managing a team, delegating tasks, and fostering a positive work environment.
Financial Management: Understanding of budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting to ensure profitable operations.
Food Enthusiast: Genuine interest in Asian cuisine and delivering authentic, high-quality dishes.
Customer-Centric Approach: Strong focus on providing excellent customer experiences to build brand loyalty.
Growth-Oriented: Desire to expand operations, explore catering or delivery opportunities, and actively market the brand locally.
Financial Requirements: Must meet the minimum investment thresholds, including franchise fees, infrastructure, and working capital.
Risk Tolerance: Willingness to invest time and resources to build a sustainable and profitable business.
Long-Term Commitment: Ready to commit to the franchise model and adhere to brand standards for the long term.
High-Traffic Areas: Franchisees should be interested in operating in locations such as shopping malls, airports, transit hubs, and busy retail centers.
Community Engagement: Willingness to engage with the local community through promotions, events, and partnerships.
Adaptable: Able to adjust to changing customer preferences, operational needs, and industry trends.
Team-Oriented: Works well with staff, vendors, and corporate support teams.
Detail-Oriented: Pays attention to operational details to maintain consistent quality and brand reputation.
| Financial Parameter | Details / Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $10,000 – $50,000+ depending on franchise model (home-based or retail location) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $10,000 (home-based option) |
| Franchise Fee | $5,000 (covers initial training and support) |
| Franchise Units | 270+ locations across the USA |
| Infrastructure Cost | Minimal for home-based; varies for retail locations based on lease and setup |
| Marketing Budget | Initial marketing packages provided; ongoing marketing costs borne by franchisee |
| Working Capital | $5,000 – $10,000 for initial operating expenses |
| Royalty Fees | Typically a percentage of gross sales (details disclosed upon inquiry) |
| Expected ROI | Potential profitability within 12–18 months |
| Break-Even Time | Approximately 12–24 months depending on sales and operational efficiency |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Sales of promotional products, custom branding services, marketing solutions for businesses |
