Sharing the love for hot pot with Isa Jiang – Little Sheep

First launched in Inner Mongolia in 1999, Little Sheep has now become one of the most well-known hot pot brands within China and also worldwide, with almost 300 restaurants across 120+ cities such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York and Toronto globally. Find out a bit more about this franchise that is fast expanding from Isa Jiang – International Development Senior Specialist for Little Sheep at YUMC.

1. How did you enter the franchise business?

Little sheep brand had its first store in 1999, this brand started its franchise at the beginning of the 20th century. The first international store is in 2004 in the USA.

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

Hot pot food is quite popular in China for hundreds of years. And also BBQ is served in our restaurant.

3. What inspired the brand name?

Our food.

4. What is the story behind the brand’s logo?

Our brand logo is one little sheep that matches our product “lamb meat”.

5. What makes your brand different from your competitors?

Our Products is quite preferred by the market, especially our broth and our meat. As one brand yumc, we are quite experienced in the SOP. We help the franchisee to work well in the market.

Related Read: The exceptional Little Sheep Hot Pot

6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a franchisee?

• Interest in Dining Restaurant
• Honest Character
• Knowledge of the Local Market

7. How long does it take, on average, for your franchisee to realize their investment?

For each market is different, normally would take about 2-3 years

8. What was the major challenge you faced in your career and how did you overcome it?

In our development in the international franchise business, our biggest challenge is how to match the local market requirement.

8.1 What is your best achievement?

Help this brand grow more internationally.

9. How does your business day start?

The business day starts with checking emails.

10. What was your best moment throughout your franchise career?

To help franchisee achieve success.

11. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

Little Sheep is looking to grow more and more market in the following years.

12. Any tips you want to impart to our readers who want to be in the franchise industry?

Find one business in which you have an interest and passion.
Find one reliable partner

To get to know who are the industry key players, visit our Interview of the Week page.

To stay updated, visit our Franchise News section.

To learn more, visit our Franchising Tips section.