Atlanta-Based Concept Offers Entrepreneurs Opportunity to Join Growing Fast Casual Asian Segment
Tin Drum Asiacafe, a fast casual concept focused on fresh, affordable, authentic Asian street food, announced today that the brand is actively seeking potential franchise candidates to expand the brand’s presence nationwide, with a focus on developing restaurants in the Southeast.
Founded by Steven Chan, Tin Drum introduced the street-inspired cuisine of Pan-Asian countries to consumers when the first location opened on Georgia Tech University’s campus. Growing up in Hong Kong, Chan drew inspiration from the hustle, bustle and energy of the streets to turn simple dishes into meals that are tantalizing, comforting and unique in flavor. According to the legend of the Tin Drummer, a man would walk the streets while beating on a tin drum calling the locals to gather together to laugh, listen to music, and most importantly, share a meal.
Tin Drum currently has 12 restaurants in Atlanta, and recently opened its first Florida restaurant in Tampa this past May. Additionally, the brand just signed a franchise agreement with Phong Ho, who also operates a Tropical Smoothie Cafe, to bring the concept to Ave Maria, Fla. later this year.
“The success of Tin Drum Asiacafe over the past decade is a true testament to the quality and authenticity of the brand and our menu items,” said Mike Rotondo, chief executive officer of Tin Drum Asiacafe. “We are excited to offer qualified entrepreneurs nationwide an opportunity to join the Tin Drum family and capitalize on the growing trend and demand for high-quality Asian concepts in the fast casual industry.”
Tin Drum Asiacafe provides the same fast service and convenience typical of Asian street-side cafes, and cooks each dish to order, prepares meals using fresh, simple ingredients and serves guests table-side in a stylishly designed, contemporary setting. The menu is a dynamic and varied mix of traditional Asian fare with bold favors and features cuisine inspired by the cultures of China, India, Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
To fuel Tin Drum Asiacafe’s growth, the company is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience. Potential franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $400,000, liquid assets of at least $150,000 and be willing to invest between $296,000 to $495,000.
Tin Drum Asiacafe’s aggressive franchise growth is backed by the entrepreneurs at the BIP Franchise Accelerator, a division of venture capital firm BIP Capital, which purchased the brand in 2012. BIP Capital has invested more than $250 million in emerging, high-growth brands across the franchising, software, and technology and consumer products industries. In 2014, BIP Capital created the BIP Franchise Accelerator to leverage its leadership team’s deep franchise experience to help emerging brands accelerate their growth.
In addition to Tin Drum Asiacafe, the BIP Franchise Accelerator’s portfolio includes Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which has expanded by more than 150 locations in the last five years and has reported double-digit comp sales growth since 2013.
For more information about franchise opportunities with Tin Drum Asiacafe, visit tindrumfranchise.com.
With 12 locations throughout the metro Atlanta area and one location in Tampa, Tin Drum Asiacafe focuses on fresh, affordable, authentic Asian street food. Inspired by both music and bustling Asian street-side cafes, the menu carries bold flavor profiles and all food is cooked fresh to order in an open kitchen. The space invites all taste buds and styles, and looks to elevate the fast casual dining experience with thoughtful, modern design elements and surprising, delightful details. For more information about Tin Drum Asiacafe, visit tindrumcafe.com.
