Mom's Touch sales hit W400b for first time
South Korean fast food franchise Mom's Touch said Wednesday that its sales exceeded 400 billion won ($270 million) for the first time in 2024, with overseas sales doubling since its Japanese debut last year.
According to its regulatory filing, the company posted 417.9 billion won in sales and 73.4 billion won in operating profits last year, up 14.7 percent and 21.8 percent from a year ago, respectively.
Mom's Touch attributed its upbeat earnings to its product diversification efforts. Known mainly for chicken burgers, especially the signature Thigh Burger, the company said it has expanded offerings to include bulgogi burgers and pizza.
'We have sold many bulgogi burgers aside from Thigh Burgers and also boosted our pizza sales, particularly during evening hours when burger demand typically falls,' a Mom's Touch official said.
Mom's Touch has strengthened its overseas expansion by opening a directly operated store in Shibuya, Tokyo, in April last year and expanding into Thailand and Mongolia. The official added that its global sales have more than doubled over the past year.
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Korea Herald
27 minutes ago
- Korea Herald
Rediscovering Culinary Roots with the Luxury Group by Marriott International
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Marriott Bonvoy members will also have the opportunity to bid on these exceptional dining events using their Marriott Bonvoy Moments loyalty points. "We are thrilled to unveil the latest edition of the Luxury Dining Series, featuring an expansion of stops with a broader lineup of culinary talents across our global portfolio of luxury hotels," says Oriol Montal, Regional Vice President, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. "This year's exclusive collaborations and experiences will celebrate ancient ingredients reimagined for the modern palate, reflecting a key theme identified in The Future of Food 2025 report – "Forgotten Flavors". Through immersive collaborations and multi-sensory storytelling, we are offering crafted, unforgettable culinary experiences that seamlessly blend craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and innovation." The highly anticipated launch of the 2025 series promises an extraordinary culinary celebration starting with The St. Regis Osaka and an impressive ensemble of gastronomic masters. To begin, Chef Takato Kitano, Head Chef of Wajo will join forces with Master Teppan Chef Yuki Oe of The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, to pay tribute to the purity and depth of Japanese produce, highlighting pristine seafood, heirloom vegetables, and heritage culinary techniques. An exquisite collaboration awaits as Chef Agustin Balbi of Hong Kong's highly-acclaimed Andō – awarded by Michelin and Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, amongst others, and Chef Michiaki Yoshida, Head Chef at La Veduta, will deliver an elegantly curated tasting menu that will seamlessly weave together timeless Italian flavors with the innovative precision of Japanese cuisine. The beverage segment introduces a dynamic 50 Best Bar Takeover at The St. Regis Bar, Osaka by Hideyuki Saito, the creative force behind Gold Bar at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, ranked on Asia's 50 Best Bars list. The bespoke cocktail menu will reflect his blend of precision, creativity, and global hospitality. Reinterpreting the traditional tea ritual, Executive Pastry Chef Alex Chong of The Singapore EDITION, renowned for his mastery of French pâtisserie and his thoughtful integration of Southeast Asian flavors, will offer creations blending delicate technique with bold creativity. The first leg of the series concludes in grandeur with an elaborate dinner at Brasserie RÉGINE, prepared by Chef Takatoki Minagawa, and Chef Ryuta Iizuka, who trained under the legendary Joël Robuchon, and acclaimed for his two Michelin-starred restaurant Ryuzu. Jeju's culinary journey comprises an inspired celebration of its vibrant flavors and rich traditions. Setting the stage with culinary virtuosos, Paul Smart of Citrique at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Ryan Byrne of Atria at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne, and Jayden Kim of The Flying Hog, the three talents will join forces in a Six-Hands dinner to create an impeccable contemporary tasting menu from the region's renowned land-and-sea bounty while presenting time‑honored techniques through a modern lens. Marking culinary excellence, both Atria and Citrique hold 14 Hats from the prestigious Australian Good Food Guide, whilst The Flying Hog has been recognized in the 2025 La Liste 1000. In The Lounge, Head Pastry Chef Sienna Wang and Chef Shigeru Nojima of the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo, scheduled to open in Q3 2025, will bring their respective patisserie artistry and deep understanding of Jeju's local ingredients in an elevated Midsummer High Tea. Diners can expect delicate pastries paired with tea-inspired cocktails from award-winning Head Bartender Yosuke Asano of The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. A singularly curated brunch at Yeoumul will pay tribute to the Haenyeo, Jeju's legendary female divers, with a selection of dishes in homage to the ocean's treasures. Chef Jin Lee of Yeoumul and Chef Hirotaka Nakashima of The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, will prepare a menu inspired by Jeju's fresh seafood and local produce, elevated by the elegance and precision of kaiseki techniques. Uncover the legacy behind Jeju's traditional liquor-making where renowned fermentation artisan, Master Kim, joins Yosuke Asano for an exclusive masterclass seamlessly blending Korean heritage with the finesse of Japanese mixology. Experience the grandeur of Daawat-e-Aaleeshan where Chef Riyaz Ahmed will craft a feast of authentic Indian flavors, setting the tone for a night of indulgence steeped in cultural richness. Another highlight inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, Director of Culinary Neeraj Rawoot brings his vision to life with an enchanting farm-to-table meal at the picturesque JW Garden, featuring fresh seasonal produce grown on-site. For an immersive and sensory dining experience highlighting different flavor components and held in unforgettable spaces across the property, the Five Elements Dinner will be prepared by renowned chefs Neeraj Rawoot, Riyaz Ahmed, Saiful Agam, Vu Van Thien, and Santosh Rawat. A Lazy Lakeside Brunch at EAST prepared by resident chef Saiful Agam who will join hands with Chef Vu Van Thien of Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, to reimagine the restaurant's signature cuisine blend drawing on Korean BBQ traditions, elevated Omakase techniques, and the soulful simplicity of Cantonese flavors. For a poolside leisurely experience, The Great Getaway Brunch will comprise a curated selection of cocktails, a global spread of grilled foods and decadent desserts, and live music, all set against the backdrop of the Nandi Hills. For cocktail enthusiasts or those seeking a lively evening, the Shaken & Stirred Collaboration with Kuldeep Rawat and Simone Ciambrone from the acclaimed The Bvlgari Bar in Ginza, ranked among the World's 50 Best Bars, is a rare chance to see the two talents fuse their unique mixology styles. Masterfully curated by Chef Brian Cole of Hearth and Chef Katsuhito Inoue from Chef's Table at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, the East Meets West dinner will offer a seamless fusion of Australian open-fire cooking and Western Australian produce with refined Japanese kaiseki in a traditional multi-course dining format honoring seasonality, balance, and artistry. Closely collaborating with local producers, these two culinary maestros will also pair up for a second farm-to-table menu, dubbed as Farmers' Bounty. Exclusively available for one night only, this thoughtfully composed menu pays homage to the land, the season, and the hands behind the harvest. Presented by Chef Brian Cole and Pastry Chef Jiu Jiang, Hearth's reimagined afternoon tea experience will celebrate Western Australia's diverse landscapes, stories, and flavors, where each artisanal confection showcases the treasures of the region, from the creamy delights of Margaret River Dairy to the aromatic nuances of native bush spices. For cocktail enthusiasts, an exceptional tasting will be prepared by Marco Barsotti, Beverage & Bars Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Perth, and award-winning Head Bartender Kentaro Wada from The Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, where their curated menu of handcrafted tipples, paired with distinctive bites by Executive Sous Chef Stephen Cocks, will reflect their mastery and innovation. Staying true to the " Forgotten Flavors" theme, The St. Regis Singapore will feature an authentic Four-Hands Cantonese menu at Yan Ting by Executive Chinese Chef Chan Chung Shing, and Daniel Wong, Michelin-starred Chinese Executive Chef of Jin Xuan Chinese Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, with dishes that reintroduce indigenous ingredients in inventive ways to bridge tradition and innovation. Redefining fine dining, guests can also look forward to an exceptional six-hands menu at The Astor Grill, curated by Chef Vladmir Veiga, Head Chef of one Michelin-starred LAB by Sergi Arola of The Ritz-Carlton, Penha Longa Resort, Executive Chef Fabio Granata of The St. Regis Singapore, and Chef de Cuisine Angelo Sergio of The Astor Grill. In celebration of the 60 th anniversary of Singapore's independence, Chef Angela Lai, former pastry chef of two-Michelin starred Tairroir Taipei, and winner of Asia's Best Pastry Chef in 2021 by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, joins forces with Executive Pastry Chef Ng Chee Leong to reimagine the island's beloved sweet and savory flavors through a refined lens. A spotlight on three of Asia's most compelling cocktail destinations - Singapore, Jakarta, and Bangkok, Marco Dongi, Bar Manager of Bar Sathorn at W Bangkok from last year's Luxury Dining Series returns to collaborate with Paulo Naranjo, Bar and Beverage Manager of The St. Regis Jakarta to shake things up at The St. Regis Bar. The gastronomic adventures for the Jakarta stop will kick off with a decadent tasting of fine confections by celebrated Pastry Chef Janice Wong, featuring the rich flavor profiles of Indonesian cacao beans. Experience the Michelin-starred touch of IGNIV Bangkok, as Chef Arne Riehn brings his distinctive interpretation of modern Swiss cuisine to Jakarta. Journey through the Indonesian Archipelago with a family-style dinner led by Chef Almatino "Tino" Gabriel Ibrata, where the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception featuring a traditional Wayang performance, offering a cultural prelude to an immersive dining experience. The St. Regis Afternoon Tea experience will be designed by two celebrated pastry visionaries, Chef Janice Wong and Chef Kevin Lee. In sweet symphony, the menu marks an elevated take on afternoon tea, showcasing their avant-garde and bold flavor-driven approaches to desserts with a curated selection of sweet and savory bites. Exceptional evening experiences include a noteworthy bar takeover that will honor the origins of punch in Batavia; during this event, Yasuhiro Kawakubo of Punch Room at The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, and Giovanni Graziadei of Punch Room at The Singapore EDITION will present signature creations from their respective bars that reflect the rich legacy of mixology. This year's series concludes in Bangkok at the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok. At Duet by David Toutain, Toutain himself and Chef Valentin Fouache will join hands with Chef Adam Catterall of Hong Kong's Michelin-starred Roganic, the acclaimed outpost of three-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan. 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Headed by Bar and Beverage Manager Ewen Ledan, Calēo Bar will feature a guest bar takeover by Simone Rossi, celebrated cocktail master from Hong Kong and creator of Ratafia Rossi, a distinctive Italian ratafia cherry liquor, and Angelo Sparvoli, Head Bartender of the legendary American Bar at The Savoy, London. Featuring beans from some of the most distinctive cacao regions around the world, guests can dive into a multi-sensory chocolate afternoon tea experience at Calēo, where they can enjoy guided tastings, and live demonstrations into the craftsmanship of Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Constans behind each bite. Marriott Bonvoy members can use points to bid on unique experiences through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program. This includes exclusive dining collaborations, cocktail masterclasses and more, at each of the seven destinations in this year's Luxury Dining Series. For the latest information and programming, please visit: To explore Marriott Bonvoy Moments, please visit Join the conversation @MarriottBonvoy and #MarriottBonvoyMoments. High-resolution images available here. About Marriott International Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of nearly 9,500 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 144 countries and territories. Marriott operates, franchises, and licenses hotel, residential, timeshare, and other lodging properties all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy ®, its highly awarded travel platform. For more information, please visit our website at and for the latest company news, visit In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram. Marriott encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the company to review and subscribe to the information Marriott posts on its investor relations website at investor or Marriott's news center website at which may be material. The contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference into this press release or any report or document Marriott files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and any references to the websites are intended to be inactive textual references only. About Luxury Group by Marriott International With an unrivaled portfolio of eight dynamic luxury brands, Marriott International is creating authentic, rare, and enriching experiences sought by today's global luxurian. Spanning all corners of the world, Marriott International's Luxury Group offers a boundless network of more than 530 landmark hotels and resorts in over 70 countries and territories through The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, EDITION, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, and W Hotels. From the world's most iconic destinations to the ultimate undiscovered gems, the international hospitality leader's collection of luxury brands is focused on elevating travel with highly contextualized, nuanced brand experiences that signal the future of luxury by allowing guests to indulge their passions while sparking personal growth. For more information, please visit About Marriott Bonvoy® Marriott Bonvoy's extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit
Korea Herald
2 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Korean defense firms eye NATO boost as alliance raises military spending
Hyundai Rotem nears $6b deal to supply 180 K2 tanks to Poland in Korea's largest single arms export The outlook for South Korean defense companies has grown brighter following recent remarks by the head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, who called for a 'quantum leap' in collective defense-bolstering momentum for Korean arms exports, which have already been firing on all cylinders. 'Russia could be ready to use military force against NATO within five years,' NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned in a speech at Chatham House in London on Monday. 'China is also modernizing and expanding its military at breakneck speed. Last week, NATO defense ministers agreed on ambitious new targets. The exact details are classified, but we need a 400 percent increase in air and missile defense. We see in Ukraine how Russia delivers terror from above, so we will strengthen the shield that protects our skies,' he said. Rutte added that all NATO member states are expected to meet the alliance's minimum defense spending target of 2 percent of gross domestic product this year. Looking ahead to the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 24 and 25, he said he anticipates leaders will agree to increase spending even further — to 5 percent of gross domestic product — arguing that threats to global security will persist beyond the war in Ukraine. Later that day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada would meet NATO's 2 percent defense spending threshold this fiscal year, with plans to accelerate military investments in the years to come. 'In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, Canada must assert its sovereignty,' Carney said in a speech at the University of Toronto. 'We will rapidly procure new equipment and technology, build our defense industrial capacity, and meet our NATO defense commitment this year. Canada will seize this opportunity with urgency and determination.' NATO's push to increase defense budgets follows mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called for a minimum of 5 percent of GDP in military spending among NATO members. These developments are fueling optimism within South Korea's defense industry, as NATO countries ramp up procurement and upgrade their arsenals. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, European defense spending rose 11.7 percent year-on-year to reach $457 billion in 2024. If NATO's European members were to raise spending to 5 percent of GDP, that could surge to $800 billion. South Korea has seen record-breaking arms exports in recent years, led by deals with Poland — one of NATO's most aggressive military spenders. In 2022, Poland signed a $44.2 billion deal to purchase a range of Korean-made weapons systems, including Hanwha Aerospace's K9 self-propelled howitzers, Hyundai Rotem's K2 main battle tanks and Korea Aerospace Industries' FA-50 light combat aircraft. Polish President Andrzej Duda openly praised Korean weapons exports at a NATO press conference in March, saying Poland had turned to Korean manufacturers because they could 'supply wonderful modern weapons within just a few months' of the outbreak of Russia's war in Ukraine. Building on this partnership, Hyundai Rotem and the Polish government are nearing a deal worth $6 billion to supply 180 additional K2 tanks to Warsaw. According to defense industry sources, a signing ceremony is expected to take place in Poland later this month. If completed, it would mark Korea's largest single arms export deal to date. Of the 180 K2 tanks, 117 will be manufactured by Hyundai Rotem in Korea, while the remaining 63 will be produced locally in Poland by the state-owned defense company PGZ. 'While Korean defense exports to Poland suggest a stronger foothold for our industry in Europe, both the government and companies need to deepen ties with the region. NATO prioritizes interoperability among its member states' weapons systems,' said an official at a Korean defense firm. 'As local production and partnerships become more important, our companies are actively exploring ways to establish European operations. The Korean government should step up and provide leadership — a control tower — to support the country's defense exports,' the official added.
Korea Herald
2 hours ago
- Korea Herald
President Lee likely to meet chaebol chiefs ahead of G7
President Lee Jae-myung is expected to meet with the heads of top conglomerates and major economic organizations later this week to review economic issues ahead of his trip to Canada for the Group of Seven summit. According to industry sources on Tuesday, the presidential office is coordinating a meeting as early as Thursday or Friday. Final details and participants are yet to be confirmed. The chiefs of the top five chaebols are expected to attend, including Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong; SK Group Chair Chey Tae-won, who heads the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun; LG Group Chair Koo Kwang-mo and Lotte Group Chair Shin Dong-bin. Leaders of major business lobbies are also expected to join, including Ryu Jin, chair of the Federation of Korean Industries; Sohn Kyung-shik, chair of the Korea Enterprises Federation; Yoon Jin-sik, chair of the Korea International Trade Association; Kim Ki-moon, chair of the Korea Federation of SMEs; and Choi Jin-shik, chair of the Federation of Middle Market Enterprises of Korea. The gathering appears to be aimed at assessing both domestic and global economic trends and listening to the concerns of the business community, especially ahead of President Lee's attendance at the G7 summit in Alberta, Canada, from June 15-17. While South Korea is not a G7 member state, it has been invited to the expanded sessions in recent years. On the sidelines of the summit, Lee may hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A trilateral summit between the three could also take place. President Lee has made economic recovery his top priority and formed an emergency economic task force on his first day in office. The upcoming meeting with leaders of chaebols and business lobbies is expected to cover strategies to boost domestic investment and stimulate the local economy. The discussions could also touch on growing concerns over US tariffs and their impact on South Korea's export-dependent industries.
