Camile Thai starts U.S. expansion drive with ghost kitchen deal
The first U.S. location will be in Chicago.
Camile Thai is set to enter the U.S. market, courtesy of an agreement with ghost kitchen company Kitchen United.
The chain’s first U.S. location will be in Chicago and will operate as a delivery and takeout-only concept, licensing exclusively at Kitchen United’s MIX locations.
Expansion will continue throughout 2021, with new locations opening in Chicago River North, Pasadena and Austin.
Since opening its first restaurant in 2010, Camile Thai has expanded to 40 locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“The rise of the on-demand economy has driven a monumental shift in traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant service. Last year saw the most significant adoption of technology in our industry’s history with volume digital food ordering and delivery at its core, and Camile Thai has been a first-mover in Europe,” Camile Thai CEO Brody Sweeney said in a statement.
(Also read: Camile Thai Kitchen founder sees a bright future for chains that embrace change)
“While a lot of new trends and short-lived concepts have emerged in the last year amid the rise in popularity of ghost kitchens, Camile Thai offers long-term opportunity and value for operators looking to grow via a licensed model. Based on our partnership with dozens of operators and Camile Thai’s proven experience, we are well-positioned to grow together here in the U.S.,” added Kitchen United chief business officer Atul Sood.
