Mom's Touch Signs Expansion Deal for Central Asia
The restaurant brand partners with Shin-Line Group to open 50 locations across Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Dining Out
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Mom's Touch has entered a master franchise agreement with Shin-Line Group to expand its chicken-based menu into Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The partnership aims to launch 50 new stores over the next decade.
Why it matters
The move targets Kazakhstan due to its high meat consumption and a large Muslim population that prefers chicken over pork. This expansion follows the brand's successful entry into Uzbekistan in 2025.
The expansion plan involves 50 store openings over 10 years, supported by Shin-Line Group, a firm established in 1995. The infrastructure will leverage a cold chain logistics network currently utilized in CIS regions.
The players
Mom's Touch
This is a South Korean quick-service restaurant chain known for its chicken sandwiches and burgers.
Shin-Line Group
This is a company established in 1995 that manages cold chain logistics and food manufacturing in CIS regions.
The details
Mom's Touch will integrate its QSR platform into Shin-Line Group's existing food manufacturing and logistics network to distribute its chicken-focused menu. This partnership builds on Shin-Line Group's experience, as the firm has previously managed operations for the convenience brand CU.
Timeline
1995: Shin-Line Group was established.
2025: Mom's Touch entered the Uzbekistan market.
October 26, 2026: The master franchise agreement was announced.
First half of 2027: The first store is scheduled to open.
2036: The 50-store expansion plan is expected to be completed.
Culture Shift
This deal follows the trend of South Korean quick-service restaurant exports entering Central Asian markets to reach new consumer demographics. The expansion relies on local infrastructure to bridge the gap between Asian dining concepts and the specific food preferences of regional markets.
Consumers in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan can expect to see the brand's chicken-based menu items available at 50 new locations by 2036. The first of these restaurants is scheduled to begin operations within the first half of 2027.
The takeaway
This partnership demonstrates how restaurant brands utilize established local logistics networks to navigate new international markets. Success in these regions often depends on aligning menus with local dietary preferences like the demand for poultry over other meat products.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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