Thai-based Lenôtre Culinary Arts School shuts down following termination of contract agreement.
Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand Closes Doors
In an unexpected turn of events, the Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand has announced its closure, marking the end of a notable chapter in the world of culinary education.
The school, a venture between Bangkok Land and the prestigious Lenôtre empire, was established in January 2023 after a 10-year contract was signed between the two parties. The Lenôtre empire, founded by the legendary chef Gaston Lenôtre, known as the "Father of French Baking," had expanded its reach outside of France for the first time with this school.
However, the partnership came to an end in August 2023, with Bangkok Land terminating the contract. The specific conditions set by Lenôtre, focusing on long-term, professional-level courses and restricting training to their own facilities, were incompatible with Bangkok Land's business plans. The company had aimed to diversify its revenue streams by offering consultancy services and short, industry-focused courses, which conflicted with Lenôtre's strict requirements.
Bangkok Land had invested approximately 1 billion baht in the school, but the decision to terminate the contract was made amicably, with both parties acknowledging the misalignment in business strategies.
Following the closure of Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand, Bangkok Land will continue its business plans under a new brand, Impact Culinova. The soft launch is expected in October 2025, with a full official opening slated for early 2026.
The deal between Bangkok Land and Lenôtre was initiated in late 2019, following a business discussion between Paul Kanjanapas, CEO of Bangkok Land, and executives from Sodexo, the company that managed the Lenôtre empire. Despite the closure of Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand, the Lenôtre brand will continue to be a significant player in the culinary world.
This development marks a new beginning for Bangkok Land and the culinary industry in Thailand, as the company forges ahead with its plans to make a lasting impact in the world of food and hospitality.
[1] This paragraph is a summary of the main points and is not present in the original bullet points. It has been added for clarity and readability.
- The abrupt closure of Lenôtre Culinary Arts School Thailand, a collaboration between Bangkok Land and the Lenôtre empire, has disrupted the education-and-self-development sector in the realm of culinary arts.
- The severance of this partnership, resulting from incompatible business strategies, has led to repercussions in the economy, as Bangkok Land invested about 1 billion baht in the school.
- As Bangkok Land moves forward with a new brand, Impact Culinova, the finance sector and politics will closely watch their progress, especially as they aim to make a lasting impact on the business of food and hospitality, both locally and globally.
