The Chicken Rice Shop to spread its wings

PETALING JAYA: Economic uncertainty and modest retail growth will not deter TCRS Restaurants Sdn Bhd, the operator of The Chicken Rice Shop (TCRS), from expanding its business this year.

In fact, the home-grown chain of restaurants sees opportunities in the challenging situation by coming out with more value-for-money meals to meet customers' need.

The strategy is expected to maintain its double-digit sales growth recorded last year.

TCRS chief executive officer Wong Kah Lin said the company is keen to open five to eight more outlets this year. It now has 58 outlets in Malaysia and three in Singapore.

"It will cost us about RM1 million per store depending on the location and size," Wong said here yesterday.

TRCS sees a 15 per cent growth this year to be contributed by existing outlets and the opening of outlets.

Meanwhile, its founder Gaik Wong said TCRS will take advantage of its value-for-money concept to woo new customers.

"That's an opportunity for us because people will still be eating out and indulge themselves occasionally," she said, noting that people now look for value-for-money outlets and TCRS, with its nice ambience and wholesome balanced meals, as an attractive option.

Yesterday, TCRS launched the latest addition to its menu, Ayam Muhibah, inspired by Malaysia's cultural diversity and harmony.

"The dish blends in the taste and flavours of the different ethnic heritage in Malaysia, creating a distinct identity in which we can call our very own. We are sure that Ayam Muhibah will indeed be a hit among our diverse patrons," Wong said.