Page 94 - Forbes - Asia (September 2018)

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Htet Myet Oo manages three diferent restaurant concepts and a staf of nearly 200 employees in Yangon. He juggles marketing, HR and project management while his
business partner and fiancée runs the back oice. While ofering no specific figures, Htet claims RTH Group revenues have doubled each of the last three years. “I’m a
Millennial,” he notes. “I like results now.” But Htet acknowleges that there is a balance: “If you don’t provide value and quality, no one will come.”

Good Eats in Myanmar

A hungry 30 Under 30 entrepreneur comes home to feed his people.

BY JANE A. PETERSON

orn in Myanmar and raised in the U.K., Htet Myet day one, RTH Group aims for 20% net proits. In 2016, private
Oo returned to his homeland in 2012, armed with equity partner Anthem Asia joined as a minority investor to fuel
an economics degree from City University of Lon- local expansion. he dream: to take the concept abroad within
Bdon. In 2014, at age 24, he launched the Rangoon three years. While he doesn’t rule out an IPO, he’s happy as an
Teahouse, specializing in traditional Burmese cuisine. Situated owner: “I love the restaurant business, I am a people person.”
in Yangon’s colonial downtown district, the restaurant caters to Still, competition is tough. When Rangoon Teahouse opened its
middle-class locals, expats and tourists. doors in 2014, downtown eateries were scarce. Today 15 restaurants © MINZAYAR OO/PANOS FOR FORBES
Htet, a member of our 2016 30 Under 30 list, started the busi- and two ive-star hotels operate nearby. “Yangon is a very competi-
ness with $25,000 of his own money, which he earned importing tive place,” Htet admits, noting that retaining customers and staf is a
secondhand Japanese cars into Myanmar. Breaking even since constant concern. “he market is still not big enough.” F

92 | FORBES ASIA SEPTEMBER 2018