PH’s Potato Corner growing in China, SE Asia

Po-led Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. is ramping up the expansion of Potato Corner in China as part of plans to accelerate the opening of stores overseas.

“Entering the last quarter of the year, guests can expect stronger brand presence as [Potato Corner] is set to open more stores beyond Southeast Asia including China and other new territories,” the company said in a statement.

Potato Corner had previously opened outlets in Guangzhou City, Hengyang and Shenzen in China.

“The team remains focused and committed to uphold its vision of planting the Potato Corner flag at every corner of the world,” it added.

Shakey’s took over operations of Potato Corner last March, continuing the company’s expansion across the region.

It opened three new stores in Southeast Asia last month. These were in the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand, Lucky Plaza in Singapore and the Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall in Cambodia.

Potato Corner has over 1,100 stores in the Philippines in 200 outlets across 12 countries, Shakey’s said.

“Apart from providing fun and flavorful moments … [Potato Corner’s] purpose revolves around creating opportunities for small and micro entrepreneurs both locally and abroad,” Shakey’s Pizza president Vicente Gregorio said.

Shakey’s earlier announced plans to spend a record P650 million this year to finance the opening of new stores across its core brands, including 150 new Potato Corner outlets.

Shakey’s earlier announced that first half earnings surged 18 times to P250 million, driven by the return of diners and the takeover of Potato Corner.