Insider Spotlight
The flavored fries brand, under Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc., recently gained recognition at the QSR Media Asia Conference & Awards 2026 in Singapore, where it received Special Recognition and was named 2026 Multi-Site Restaurant of the Year—validation of a strategy built less on size and more on adaptability and franchising.
Why it matters
In a crowded quick-service landscape, portability and flexibility are becoming more valuable than large-format stores. Potato Corner’s kiosk-first approach allows faster rollout, lower costs, and easier localization.
In a company release, the group emphasized that network expansion remains central to its strategy, enabling it to bring its “affordable indulgence” positioning into new markets while sustaining partner-led growth.
By the numbers
The brand opened nearly one store a day in the Philippines, underscoring the repeatability of its model. Internationally, its footprint continued to expand across Southeast Asia and other markets.
Zoom out
Execution on the ground is being driven by local partners. Chayapatra “Pong” Thongcharoen, CEO of Rocks Group and master franchisee for Thailand and Malaysia, has been central to that push—launching the first Potato Corner store in Thailand in 2016 and bringing the brand to Malaysia in 2023. As of end-March 2026, the network has grown to over 160 stores in Thailand and nearly 30 in Malaysia.
“Potato Corner is such an agile and versatile brand with a universal product that it can be successful in any market around the world. What sets it apart is also its ability to localize and adapt to different markets in its unique Potato Corner way,” Pong said.
Localization remains a key lever. Thailand introduced items like Guichai Fries and Red Sausage, while Singapore rolled out Mala and Laksa flavors—demonstrating how the brand adapts without losing core identity.
What’s next
Alongside store growth, the company is investing in brand equity and youth engagement. In the Philippines, it tapped TikTok creator Niana Guerrero as its first brand ambassador for the “Crave the Fave” campaign, targeting younger consumers.
Outgoing COO Jose Arnold T. Alvero said, “We are deeply honored by this recognition by QSR Media Asia Awards. It’s a credit to the collective passion and consistent execution that our teams and franchise partners bring across different markets. Our focus remains clear – to reach more guests in more corners of the world and WOWing them with great value they deserve.” —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
