Milestone opens its first St Marc Cafe

The company, which strongly believes that the quality of taste and service of the brand will be attractive to Thai consumers, plans to open five outlets per year.
Brand awareness will actively be created via social-media channels.
Chaitat Kamolvisit, director of Milestone Food and Beverage (Thailand), said the company was in the business of F&B outlets, with interest in the art and culture of pastry and bakery in the European style – and in chocolate croissants, in particular.
A study found that one of the most popular chocolate-croissant shops is St Marc Cafe, one of eight brands under the management of St Marc Holding of Japan, which operates more than 400 branches in Japan, China and Asean.
Milestone was therefore encouraged to bring the brand to the Thai market, he said.
“Bringing the St Marc Cafe brand to Thailand is based on three major factors. The first is the growth of food and beverage business, with the firm’s business likely to grow steadily despite the tough competition.
“The growth is also supported by the fact that Thai people prefer dining out, especially for desserts, bakery or coffee. They always look for new venues for personal and business get-togethers. Thai consumers are always open to new experiences. It’s also seen that consumers in Thailand are also modern and in-trend.
“The second factor is in the company’s belief in the taste and quality of Choco Cro, the signature menu item, among other choices that meet the needs of those consumers looking for good taste and quality. We believe that if customers have already tasted the great selection, they will make repeat purchases.
“The third factor is the reliability and the strength of the St Marc Cafe brand, featured in the quality of food and service which has been accepted among the Japanese and tourists traveling to Japan for a long time. Thai consumers who visited St Marc Cafe in Japan will always write a review through social media. Many say that it’s a must to visit St Marc Cafe when visiting Japan,” Chaitat explained.
The first St Marc Cafe outlet has been in operation at CentralWorld since December 1. The next outlets will be opened at CentralFestival EastVille on December 20, and at Central Bangna on February 1.
Future outlets could be opened in shopping centres, department stores, community malls and as stand-alone outlets in Bangkok and the provinces.
The investment budget per branch is Bt10 million, with an expected investment return within two years, he added.