The man who helped expand Hong Kong’s Michelin-rated dim sum chain Tim Ho Wan to other parts of Asia has expressed confidence in new owner Jollibee Food Corporation, while also saying the original founders should stay on as advisers to preserve the integrity and authenticity of the brand.
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Robert Chua Wah-peng, broadcaster and businessman, told the Post earlier this week that Tim Ho Wan’s new Filipino owner was a “very respected company”.
But he added: “I do hope they retain and convince [the founders] … to stay on as consultants.
“It would be sad if it is totally divorced from the original [people] going forward.”
Philippine-based fast-food giant Jollibee announced earlier this week it was buying the remaining 8 per cent stake in Tim Ho Wan for S$20.2 million (US$15.3 million).
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Tim Ho Wan was founded by Hong Kong chefs Mak Kwai-pui – formerly of the three-Michelin-starred Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons Hotel – and Leung Fai-keung, with the first branch opening in 2009 in Mong Kok.