GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITY OF LOCAL-CUISINE RESTAURANT ENTREPRENEURS TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE : A CASE STUDY OF MAHASARAKHAM PROVINCE

Main Article Content

Promlikit Ura
Thongpan Pariwat
Phanuwat Ruangkulsap
Pongsuk Dornpinij
Ekapon Sangsri
Phanomphon Patchawong
Watchareeya Thammasorn

Abstract

Isan local cuisine represents a distinctive cultural identity that reflects the heritage of its communities and plays a significant role in driving the creative economy at both local and regional levels. However, the current competitive landscape of the food industry has been challenged by shifting consumer behaviors, advancements in digital technologies, and rising standards of food hygiene and safety. These dynamics require local Isan restaurant entrepreneurs to systematically enhance their operational capacity in order to maintain sustainable competitiveness. This study aims to: (1) To study the current conditions of local Isan restaurant operations in Maha Sarakham Province, (2) To study consumer needs regarding the consumption of local Isan food, and (3) To propose guidelines for developing the capacities of local Isan restaurant entrepreneurs in order to enhance sustainable competitiveness. A mixed-methods approach was employed, consisting of quantitative data collection from 400 consumers through questionnaires, and qualitative data obtained from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that most entrepreneurs lack systematic cost management, standardized hygiene practices, and strategic branding approaches. Meanwhile, consumers place high importance on authentic taste, food safety, value for money, and restaurant atmosphere. These insights highlight the need for improvement in both product quality and service experience. Based on the results, the study proposes eight strategic development dimensions: (1) Product and Identity Development, (2) Food Safety and Hygiene Management, (3) Restaurant Management, (4) Human Capital Development, (5) Marketing and Branding, (6) Networking and Stakeholder Engagement, (7) Customer Responsiveness, and (8) Sustainability and Value Creation. These strategies can be practically applied to strengthen the creative economy and promote regional food tourism in a sustainable manner.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ura, P. ., Pariwat, T. ., Ruangkulsap, P. ., Dornpinij, P. ., Sangsri, E., Patchawong, P. ., & Thammasorn, W. . (2026). GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING THE CAPABILITY OF LOCAL-CUISINE RESTAURANT ENTREPRENEURS TO ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE : A CASE STUDY OF MAHASARAKHAM PROVINCE. Sports Science and Health Innovation Journal, Rajabhat University Group of Thailand, 5(2), 27–43. retrieved from https://he03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/SPSC_Network/article/view/4976
Section
บทความวิจัย

References

Abdou, A. H., Hassan, T. H., & Salem, A. E. (2023). Promoting Sustainable Food Practices in Food Service Industry: An Empirical Investigation on Saudi Arabian Restaurants. Sustainability, 15(16), 12206. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612206

Brundtland Commission. (1987). Our common future. Oxford University Press.

Bureau of the Budget, Office of the Prime Minister. (2024). Budget Expenditure Report, Fiscal Year 2025. Bureau of the Budget. (in Thai)

Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health. (1998). Database of Northeastern Thai Local-Food Nutrition B.E. 2538–2541. Department of Health. (in Thai)

Dyshkantiuk, O. (2024). Startups in the restaurant business as a strategic tool for the development of the national economy. Naukvij Pogland: Ekonomika Ta Upravlinna, 4(88). https://doi.org/10.32782/2521-666x/2024-88-17

Kraak, V. (2019). Food service and restaurant sectors (pp. 103–113). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351189033-9

Madanaguli, A. T., Dhir, A., Kaur, P., Srivastava, S., & Singh, G. (2022). Environmental sustainability in restaurants. A systematic review and future research agenda on restaurant adoption of green practices. Scandinavian Jornal of Hospitality and Tourism, 22(4-5), 303–330. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2022.2134203

Melo, A., Maia, B., Silva, S., Silva, G., Azevedo, D., Camões, H., & Melo, C. (2024). Cooking Up a Sustainable Future: insights of Circular Economy in the Restaurants. International Conference on Tourism Research https://doi.org/10.34190/ictr.7.1.2131

Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). (2024). Thailand SDGs Progress Report 2024. NESDC. (in Thai)

Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO). (2024). National Science, Research and Innovation Plan B.E. 2566–2570. NXPO. (in Thai)

Revamping Sustainable Strategies for Hyper-Local Restaurants: A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework and Resource-Based View. (2023). FIIB Business Review, 231971452311612. https://doi.org/10.1177/23197145231161232

Sakinah, F., Fahlevi, R., & Rahmawati, R. (2024). Pengembangan ekonomi lokal melalui kewirausahaan kreatif. An-Nizam, 3(1), 226–231. https://doi.org/10.33558/an-nizam.v3i1.9678

Stebliuk, N., Nebaba, N., & Ozierova, S. (2024). Competitiveness of restaurant business enterprises: evaluation and ways to improve. Naukvij Pogland: Ekonomika Ta Upravlinna, 2(86). https://doi.org/10.32782/2521-666x/2024-86-13

Yong, R. Y. M., Chua, B., Fakfare, P., & Han, H. (2024). Sustainability à la carte: A systematic review of green restaurant research (2010-2023). Jornal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, 41(4), 508–537. https://doi.org/10.1080/10548408.2023.2293014

Yuliamir, H., Rahayu, E., & Maria, A. D. (2023). Pendampingan Wirausaha di Kawasan Kuliner Kelurahan Ledok, Kecamatan Argomulyo Kota Salatiga. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 2(2), 49-60. https://doi.org/10.30640/abdimas45.v2i2.1688

Rahman, F., & Abdullah, S. (2021). Modern entrepreneurial skills and digital-marketing adoption among traditional food vendors in Southeast Asia. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 33(4), 517–534. https://doi.org/10.1080/08276331.2021.1881956