Case Study: Thai CoCo
Opened in 2022, Thai Coco is inspired by Chef Jenny Lertvisudth’s traditional Thai family recipes and a passion for bringing people together through food. Following the award-winning success of her first restaurant in Pitt Meadows, B.C., Thai Coco is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavours and authentic Thai cooking.
“Many have questioned why I needed to work with a consultant, given that I have been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. In hindsight, I’m glad I did! The Fifteen Group has helped me develop a strong restaurant concept, establish a brand presence, create a menu, and manage day-to-day operations for Thai Coco.
They helped my team and me realize this dream to a new height! I feel more equipped and prepared to do things more efficiently and tackle new challenges than if I had done it alone. It’s been an incredible few years working with and learning from their team of professionals who are knowledgeable, insightful, creative and yet so passionate about what they do every day! ”
Challenge
Our challenge was to create a unique food and beverage concept that built on the owner’s existing restaurant and tenure, while celebrating fresh, vibrant and new Thai flavours. We wanted to embrace the authenticity and generational nature of the recipes, while building a brand that felt contemporary and enticing, blending street food dishes with traditional family recipes.
Solution
Through our Opening Handholding Package, our team touched on all aspects of the new restaurant opening, including:
✓ Concept Development - We took a departure from traditional quick service Thai concepts, capitalizing on the need for honest, traditional food that’s still eye-catching and mouth-watering. We held on to the flavours and dishes that draw people to Thai food, but developed something new that the market was craving.
✓ Brand Development - by building on the owners’ deep connection to heritage, Thai Coco’s brand is centered around family, as seen in the playful illustrations throughout the space collateral. We built the brand around honesty: passionate about honouring tradition and serving good food, but with a willingness to break tradition and convention when it feels right.
✓ Menu Development - Inspired by a family history of exceptional Thai recipes, we created a menu that is fresh, healthful, and delicious. There was no need to reinvent the wheel with tried and true recipes, rather we brought contemporary additions to timeless classics.
✓ Website Development & Social Media Support - We extended Thai Coco’s playful and heartfelt brand into the digital space through a warm, colourful, and easy-to-navigate website and social media. Leaning into the brand illustrations and genuine voice, we created an online experience that was inviting, fun, and rooted in family and tradition.
✓ Website Development & Social Media Support - We extended Thai Coco’s playful and heartfelt brand into the digital space through a warm, colourful, and easy-to-navigate website and social media. Leaning into the brand illustrations and genuine voice, we created an online experience that was inviting, fun, and rooted in family and tradition.
✓ Systems & Procedures - We developed thoughtful systems & procedures to maximize efficiency, profitability and guest experience at Thai Coco. Our team hired and trained staff to be brand ambassadors, equally as passionate about the brand as ownership, and dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Results
Thai Coco is now a pillar of the Port Coquitlam community, having garnered a loyal customer base for its dedication to warm customer service and richly flavorful dishes.
Visit: Thai Coco
