Bao Nine: Expanding Through Flavor and Franchises
Discover how Ashok Yadav, the new owner of Bao Nine, is transforming the brand with bold flavors, innovative marketing, and exciting plans for nationwide expansion.
Ashok Yadav, the new owner of Bao Nine, has taken the reins of this popular restaurant with bold ambitions and fresh ideas. Since acquiring the business nearly two years ago, Yadav has brought a new energy to the brand, boosting sales by 30 to 40 percent. His strategy has been a mix of traditional hands-on management and modern marketing techniques, relying on Google, Yelp, and social media to grow the restaurant's visibility.
Expanding the Bao Nine Brand
Bao Nine’s distinctive name, inspired by the pillowy softness of its signature bao buns — reminiscent of floating on "cloud nine" — reflects the restaurant’s playful yet precise approach to food. With this solid foundation, Yadav is now focusing on expanding the brand through franchising. "I'm focusing on franchising right now," Yadav explained. “I have a couple of franchisees who have already inquired, and I’m working to finalize everything so we can start expanding.”
In fact, Yadav is already in the process of opening a second store in Malvern, PA, with the same successful concept and menu. This growth, however, hasn’t come without challenges, particularly ensuring consistency across all locations. Yadav emphasized that everything from the buns to the sauces is prepared according to strict standards. “All the sauces and buns we make will be shipped from us, so everything will taste the same.”
Innovations in Menu and Customer Experience
Since taking over, Yadav has expanded Bao Nine’s menu to include signature drinks in partnership with a local company, a collaboration that has proven to be a hit with customers. “A couple of months ago, we were the top seller for their drinks,” Yadav noted proudly.
When it comes to standout dishes, Yadav pointed to customer favorites like the Bao Boa–braised short rib, house truffle wiz and cherry pepper relish stuffed Bao Bun, and Dumplings, though his personal favorite remains the Sticky Chicky. Beyond these staples, he’s also looking to diversify the menu by introducing vegan options, based on customer feedback. “I’m getting really good feedback from customers, so within one month, I’ll be adding vegan options to the menu.”
Catering is another area Yadav has grown significantly. After implementing a catering option on Bao Nine’s website (which he built himself), orders from UPenn students and other local groups have surged. The restaurant’s location near universities has certainly helped, but Yadav’s strategic focus on catering has been key to this growth.
The Path from Subway to Bao Nine
Yadav is no stranger to the restaurant business, having owned three other locations in King of Prussia, including Subway franchises and a Mrs. Field’s cookie store. His first venture into ownership came right before COVID-19 hit in 2020, presenting significant challenges. “We had to close down for three months, but I stayed open as much as I could, and that helped me survive,” Yadav shared, reflecting on the resilience needed to navigate the pandemic’s effects on the industry.
Looking ahead, Yadav's advice for aspiring restaurant owners is simple but powerful: stay positive. “There are always ups and downs in business. You have to have a strong heart to stay in the market.”
What's Next for Bao Nine
As Bao Nine prepares for expansion, Yadav’s vision is crystal clear. While he manages the brand’s growth, his wife will oversee day-to-day operations at their current locations. Meanwhile, Yadav is planning a trip to China to streamline the supply chain, negotiating prices and securing a warehouse for his imported ingredients.
Through all of this, Yadav is committed to maintaining Bao Nine’s high standards, ensuring that customers across all locations enjoy the same quality and experience that made the brand a success in the first place. “Everything will be exactly the same — the sauces, the buns, the flavors.”
With Yadav’s focus on consistency and growth, Bao Nine is well on its way to becoming a household name, not just in Pennsylvania but beyond. Keep an eye on this rising brand — big things are in store!
If you are interested in franchising, please inquire at this email: Info@eatbaonine.com