Hong Jiu Jiu Lite reports over 30 franchise sign-ups at debut exhibition, targeting Taiwan with compact outlets and a streamlined menu

Modern Chinese fast-food brand Hong Jiu Jiu Lite emerged as one of the brands attracting attention at this year’s Taiwan franchise exhibition. According to a 5 October report by Point Media, Hong Jiu Jiu, which has 30 years of food-service experience, made its debut at the 2026 Taiwan World Franchise Exhibition. Brand head Shen You-wei said it secured more than 30 franchise sign-ups during the event, exceeding expectations.

Turning restaurant experience into a fast-food format

The exhibition closed on 5 October. Hong Jiu Jiu used its modern Chinese fast-food concept, Hong Jiu Jiu Lite, to reach prospective franchisees. The brand presented a 12-ping outlet format — approximately 40 square metres — with nine menu items across three ranges, including fish with pickled mustard greens and beef and fish in a spicy Sichuan-style broth.

Rather than showcasing the brand through an extensive menu, this model concentrates on a limited selection of dishes paired with a small footprint. For those considering a franchise in Taiwan, the point of interest is not simply another investment option, but how established food-service experience can be translated into a streamlined fast-food model for prospective operators to assess.

However, menu size and floor area are only features of the format. Neither is enough to establish service speed, staffing requirements or profitability. Assessing this type of business still requires a detailed understanding of ingredient preparation, cooking and peak-time workflows.

Ongoing supply from head office is central to the partnership

Hong Jiu Jiu Lite’s advertised opening package for a 12-ping outlet starts at NT$1.88 million, with no brand licensing fee and ongoing ingredient supplies from head office. The franchise relationship therefore covers not only use of the brand but also a continuing supply arrangement after opening.

Coverage of the exhibition identified lower staffing requirements and greater operational standardisation as key themes in this year’s food-service franchise market. Hong Jiu Jiu Lite’s streamlined menu and central supply arrangements can be viewed in that context. The package itself, however, does not establish how many staff an outlet might save, nor does it provide a basis for calculating a franchisee’s payback period.

For prospective franchisees, supply terms should be a priority when comparing options. Before signing, seek clear explanations of how purchase prices may change, how ordering and deliveries work, how ingredients must be stored, and how quality problems are handled. These are points to verify in the agreement, rather than commitments the brand has already announced.

Exhibition sign-ups are not the same as operating outlets

The more than 30 franchise sign-ups reported by Shen reflect the brand’s discussions and agreements secured during its first exhibition appearance. This figure should remain clearly attributed to the brand. It should not be treated as evidence that more than 30 outlets have opened, still less as an indication of their operating performance.

Between signing at an exhibition and opening for business, franchisees still need to select a location, assess the premises and complete their opening preparations. For those following the brand’s development, more useful indicators will be how these agreements translate into outlets, and whether day-to-day operations can maintain consistent food quality and reliable supplies.

Assess the compact format through its daily operations

Hong Jiu Jiu Lite’s exhibition debut offers a concrete example of a modern Chinese fast-food franchise model. Three menu ranges, nine items, a 12-ping outlet and ongoing supplies from head office form the main outline currently available to the public.

When assessing the opportunity, start by asking the brand to explain the outlet’s daily workflow, including preparation, service, restocking and cleaning. Then consider equipment needs, staffing and supply terms together. Whether the streamlined menu suits your experience and intended location matters more than the number of agreements signed at an exhibition.

Practical tip: Before discussing Hong Jiu Jiu Lite or a similar compact-outlet package, request a full breakdown of costs, supply terms and operating procedures. Verify the brand’s reported franchise sign-ups separately from the number of outlets already trading.