The Choi Garden restaurant group of bilyonaryo Frank Lao is expanding its portfolio by taking a stake in a tech-driven coffee shop in Malaysia.
Lao’s daughter Janica, head of the Choi Garden group, went to Malaysia last week to sign a deal buying a 35 percent interest in Zus Coffee.
The agreement was signed with Zus co-founder and CEO Ian Chua.

“We want to bring Zus Coffee to the Philippines. They don’t want franchising, all of their stores are company owned,” said Janica.
Since launching its first outlet in late 2019, Zus has opened 193 branches across Malaysia, thanks to its affordable coffee offerings, Instagram-worthy standalone cafes, and efficient app-based ordering and delivery system.

In addition to Choi’s Garden, Lao’s food business includes Gloria Maris, Icho, Beard Papa, Milk Tea Boba Girl, and Spanish restaurant Perrochiko.
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