Taiwanese breakfast chain operator Yang Chin International is pursuing multi-brand expansion, a broadly positive growth signal for franchisees and investors.

• Its flagship brand Mei Wei Deng currently has more than 1,000 stores, with a target of net additions of 100 per year, reaching 1,500 outlets by 2030 and 2,000 by 2035.
• Expansion relies on a "multiple store" approach, in which a single franchisee opens several outlets in the same commercial district; 283 stores are currently run this way.
• All eight outlets of hot pot brand Shuan Jin Guo are profitable, with first-half revenue up 63% year on year. Six more are due to open this year, including the brand's first entry into New Taipei.
• Fried chicken brand Da Shi is aiming for 100 domestic outlets and has already established a presence in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, with its first US store in Virginia expected to open in mid-October.
• Penang Cendol, the Malaysian dessert brand it franchises, was wound up entirely in mid-August because of high raw-material costs and differences between Taiwanese and Malaysian food safety regulations.

Outlook: The second half of the year will be a period of intensive store openings, with hot pot and overseas markets the main drivers of revenue growth, though the closure of one brand also highlights the risks of franchising overseas brands.