Lian Fa International invests NT$20 million in Xiaoman Shangguo as Banqiao flagship secures over 10 franchise orders before soft opening

Lian Fa International, the group behind tea brands Sharetea and UG, has invested NT$20 million in expanding its hotpot business. According to a report by Taiwan news outlet KnowNews on 10 November, the Xiaoman Shangguo flagship in Banqiao, New Taipei City, was scheduled to begin its soft opening the following day. With more than 10 franchise orders secured before opening, it offers Taiwan’s franchise sector another example of a tea-drink operator moving into hotpot dining.

A spacious flagship in Banqiao

The Xiaoman Shangguo flagship covers more than 100 ping — approximately 330 square metres — and seats 100 diners, with a focus on individual hotpots. Lian Fa International is using this substantial dine-in venue to showcase the new brand’s product positioning and dining experience.

For prospective franchisees, the flagship offers an opportunity to see the concept first-hand. However, its floor area, seating capacity and the group’s investment should not be treated as standard specifications or a start-up budget for future franchise outlets. Investors should confirm the details of individual packages with the franchisor.

Flavours inspired by eight Asian cities

Xiaoman Shangguo centres its menu on Asian flavours, drawing inspiration from eight cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok and Singapore. Average spend per customer is around NT$500–700.

This positioning combines individual hotpots with the culinary characteristics of different cities, while providing a clearer product and pricing reference for franchise discussions. During site visits, prospective franchisees can ask about the menu mix, food preparation and service processes, and target customers, rather than judging commercial viability solely by the variety of flavours available.

Franchise orders come first; revenue remains a target

The report states that the brand attracted more than 10 franchise orders before opening. This indicates franchise interest ahead of the launch, but the number of orders does not represent the number of operating outlets and cannot be used to predict the pace of future expansion.

The Banqiao flagship has set an ambitious monthly revenue target of NT$5 million. This is an operating target, not an achieved result. Likewise, average spend per customer alone does not establish profitability. For those assessing a franchise investment, actual customer traffic, costs and service performance after the soft opening will be more useful measures to monitor.

From tea brands to hotpot dining

With Sharetea and UG already in its portfolio, Lian Fa International is now extending its food and beverage business through Xiaoman Shangguo. The key development is that the new brand’s launch and franchise recruitment are progressing together — not that it already has a proven outlet performance record ready to replicate.

Practical advice: interested investors can start by visiting the Banqiao outlet and asking the franchisor for a clear breakdown of the required franchise investment, premises and format requirements, supply arrangements and training provision. Distinguishing between the group’s investment, franchise orders and actual operating results will support a more considered franchise decision.