THAILAND. Mango Tree and COCA Restaurants Worldwide – the prominent Thai dining specialist with extensive interests in travel food & beverage – has announced that 90% of its eateries have now reopened for business, with a renewed focus on ‘natural’ cuisine.
The restaurateur – which operates restaurants under the Mango Tree and COCA brand names – was forced to close 68 of its 71 outlets at the height of the pandemic, but 62 of these locations have now re-launched in line with advanced safety and sanitisation standards brought forward by COVID-19 concerns. Its six airport Mango Tree outlets, however, remain closed until further notice.
The company – which has recently launched a new restaurant at the Tokyo Dome – said it has used the extended period of lockdown as a springboard to “pioneer a new era of organic farming” and to introduce a new supply chain model with an increased concentration on healthy and sustainable produce.
In this regard, Mango Tree and COCA Restaurants Worldwide is developing the COCA Boutique Farm in Thailand, a facility run in partnership with local communities that is dedicated to cultivating local and seasonal produce in a “highly responsible” manner.
Initially, this farm will feature five greenhouses for fresh herbs and vegetables such as chilis, aubergines, bitter gourds, mustard greens, Thai basil, bok choi, coriander, rocket, kale and spinach. In addition, it has fruit orchards with mango and banana trees, large fish ponds and free-range chicken runs.
The company said it plans to extend its farm concept across Asia, to create new “trusted sources” of natural ingredients and ensure the long-term sustainability of its restaurants.
Mango Tree and COCA Restaurants Worldwide Global Managing Director Trevor MacKenzie said: “The COVID-19 global pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone, especially in the hospitality industry. At Mango Tree and COCA however, we believe that every challenge also presents an opportunity, and the last few months have allowed us to advance our position as a pioneering provider of high-quality cuisine.
He added: “That is not to say that the lockdown has been easy; regrettably we have lost a small number of restaurants and all six of our airport outlets remain closed. But with our strategy now fine-tuned, we expect to recover quickly. With our new model, underpinned by our growing network of COCA Boutique Farms, we’re now in a position to continuing expanding across the globe.”
The company has also emphasised that it has adapted to the “new realities of dining” in the post-COVID-19 world, with enhanced hygiene practices and protocols that follow guidance from the World Health Organization. It said this includes social distancing in many areas, digital booking and payment systems, the use of personal protective equipment and more.
Read our interview with Trevor MacKenzie from earlier this year about the story behind Mango Tree and COCA Worldwide and its long-term plans for expansion in our FAB eZine here.
