Thai Express is a true Singapore success story. Founder Ivan Lee, tried out several different business ideas before opening his first outlet in 2002. The Thai Express brand has since grown into a food empire, with 73 outlets across the Asia Pacific region. Shokudo, New York New York, and Xin Wang Hong Kong Café are some of the popular names that come under its umbrella. Between 2007 and 2008, the food retailer was launching one new restaurant every month.