2019: Year in Review

We look back at the highs and lows of the Asian multi-site restaurant industry these past twelve months.

The Asian QSR scene heads to the future with more innovative concepts and menu offerings, competitive marketing campaigns and major players’ acquisitions and joint ventures, as highlighted in QSR Media Asia’s Year in Review.

Unique concepts flourish
Airport food down on land and a footwear brand’s cafe were amongst the unique concepts in the restaurant scene introduced this year.

Plant-based scene growing
The QSR scene has seen an integration of fruits and cheeses into restaurant menus, whilst momentum of vegan meat and other healthy alternatives are picking up.

Expansions via joint ventures
Restaurant brands have been inking joint venture deals to effectively enter international markets.

IPOs being sought
Aside from joint ventures, some chains have gone public or are eyeing IPOs to ramp up expansion.

Major acquisitions
Chains also acquired other businesses or have consolidated to expand their brand portfolios. Meanwhile, the QSR Brands has considered a sale amidst a weakening Malaysian market.

Regional debut, international entries
More chains, especially Japanese restaurants, have made their debuts in other regional markets whilst more US and UK-based chains have come to shake up the region.

Expanded delivery services, demand for cloud kitchens
Big delivery players have introduced new services for their customers, including grocery delivery. Restaurant operators have seen their potential in entering dark kitchens.