In the fast-paced and ever-evolving restaurant franchise industry, growing a franchise takes more than offering great food—it demands a complete commitment to excellence and adaptability. Dennis Ng, SVP of Innovation at MTY Group, exemplifies how being fully immersed in the business is essential for fostering long-term growth and driving innovation. This level of involvement helps maintain passion and daily investment in the work.

But Dennis’s path to leading Thaï Express and becoming MTY’s SVP of Innovation wasn’t always destined to be in food. His journey began far from the kitchen, in the tech industry, where he earned his degree in computer science and worked with large-scale data systems. Yet, a chance encounter led him in a completely different direction.

From a tech job in Toronto, Dennis’s career took an unexpected turn when he got involved with Thaï Express. He recalls the pivotal moment when he decided to leave the tech world behind, which would transform his career and help scale Thaï Express into a leading franchising brand under the MTY Group umbrella.

Keep reading to discover how Thaï Express’s growth inspires entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry.

The Journey: From Tech to Thaï Express

Dennis Ng’s journey from tech to leading Thaï Express is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing passion. After an early career skyrocketing in tech, Dennis realized that while his technical skills were strong, they were not fulfilling his entrepreneurial spirit. The transition into restaurant franchising allowed him to apply his strategic and business acumen, developing a scalable model that would drive the brand’s operational and financial expansion.

“When I first got involved with Thaï Express, I realized that this was the challenge I was looking for—a business that combined creativity, culture, and scalability. I wasn’t just building tech systems; I was helping build a brand.”

– Dennis Ng, SVP of Innovation at MTY.”

In his role as SVP of Innovation at MTY, Dennis combined his expertise in systems thinking from his tech background with his newfound passion for foodservice. MTY’s support played a key role in facilitating Thaï Express’s rapid growth with him as a leader, ensuring that every upcoming franchisee had access to operational efficiency, real estate expertise, and the tools to excel.

Scaling Thaï Express: From One Store to 300+ Locations

One of the key aspects of Thaï Express’s growth has been its ability to scale rapidly and efficiently under Dennis Ng’s leadership; with the support of MTY Franchising, the brand transformed from a single location to a global franchise powerhouse with over 300 locations worldwide. The brand’s scalability lies not only in its quality product but also in its systems. With a model designed to be easily replicated, Thaï Express franchisees can benefit from operational support, marketing tools, and real estate expertise. The brand’s commitment to efficiency and quality ensures that each new location provides the same experience, regardless of the market.

“We have multiple franchises that have grown with us, you know, from one store to all 20,” Dennis shared. While not every operator aims to expand beyond a single location, Thaï Express offers a framework that supports those looking to take on more. “You can’t individually run 20 stores. You need a team around it… The mindset is probably a little different from the operators that want to expand.”

– Dennis Ng, SVP of Innovation at MTY

Want to know more about brand scalability and franchise growth? We invite you to read The Strategy Behind Selling Happiness with a Thriving Franchise: A Conversation with MTY’s CEO.

Why Franchise Growth Works for Thaï Express

The growth of Thaï Express is a direct result of its franchise model, which allows the brand to expand rapidly while maintaining consistency. Dennis Ng highlights that a strong franchise model goes beyond just offering a fantastic product—it’s about creating a supportive system that helps franchisees thrive at every step of their journey.

For MTY, supporting franchisees through every phase, from site selection to training and marketing strategies, is what makes the model effective. This partnership ensures that Thaï Express franchisees benefit from operational support and continuous growth in different markets.If you’re interested in learning more about how this franchise model works and how MTY’s support has contributed to Thaï Express’s growth, be sure to listen to the full interview with Dennis Ng on the Forks & Franchise Podcast.

Watch the full episode here!

Dennis Ng’s Experience with Thaï Express and MTY’s Ongoing Support

Many new franchisees come to the table with restaurant experience, which is a great plus when acquiring a business. However, for those without that experience, MTY provides industry-leading training to level the playing field for potential entrepreneurs.

Dennis Ng’s journey as one of the first Thaï Express franchise owners was made possible through MTY’s structured support. He reflects on how the initial training and guidance were crucial to his growth when he first opened his store:

“There’s so many advantages to a franchise model… Luckily with a franchise, you know, they’ve done that homework. They’ve done that research. They understand, what affects what. Let’s say if chicken prices go up one day, you’ll  know how much it affects your food cost, etc., etc..”

– Dennis Ng, SVP of Innovation at MTY.”

This thoughtful planning and foresight in MTY’s approach to new franchisees make ongoing support a valuable tool. With the right systems in place, franchisees are empowered to focus on the growth of their business without being overwhelmed by the macro business aspects that can impact day-to-day operations.

Dennis’s hands-on experience shaped his approach to leadership as he helped guide the brand’s expansion. The training he received laid the foundation for what would become one of MTY’s most notable brands, and his story reminds us of the power of quality training and ongoing mentorship.

Want to know more about the training and benefits of partnering with MTY? Listen to the full episode on Spotify.

Thaï Express Franchise Benefits from Proposals and Support

As Dennis Ng emphasizes, the ongoing support doesn’t stop once your doors open. MTY Franchising ensures franchisees continue to thrive by providing marketing tools, business development resources, and system updates that keep the franchise competitive in the ever-evolving restaurant industry.

From site selection to training and operational guidance, Thaï Express franchisees benefit from a comprehensive system designed to ensure their growth. Whether you bring a strong background in finance or administration or have always had the drive to be your own boss, Thaï Express offers the structure and support to help you grow your business.

The combination of your expertise and MTY’s robust framework creates a partnership in which franchisees are positioned to take advantage of the restaurant industry’s exciting opportunities.

MTY Group: Leading the Future of Restaurant Franchising

MTY Group Franchising’s growth trajectory is accelerating rapidly, with more brand acquisitions and the creation of new franchise opportunities. Emerging food trends drive fresh ideas and opportunities, while continued innovation and digital resources are helping franchisees stay ahead in a competitive market.

As MTY Franchising continues to expand, the future of restaurant franchising is bright, offering more ways for entrepreneurs to join the MTY family. Whether you’re looking to dive into the exciting world of franchising or seeking your next business opportunity, MTY offers the resources and support to help you grow and reach your potential.

Ready to explore the exciting world of MTY Group franchising? Visit our website to learn more about our brands and investment opportunities. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward achieving your entrepreneurial dreams. You can also view informative videos on our YouTube Podcast channel, Forks and Franchise powered MTY Food Group Inc., and get insights from one of the largest franchisors in North America’s restaurant industry.