Alan Yau
Alan Yau | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 11, 1962 Sha Tau Kok, Hong Kong |
| Occupation(s) | Restaurateur, entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of Wagamama, Hakkasan, Yauatcha, Park Chinois |
Alan Yau () (born 11 November 1962) is a British restaurateur and entrepreneur originally from Hong Kong, renowned for establishing the UK-based Wagamama restaurant chain. Of Hakka descent, he was born in Sha Tau Kok, Hong Kong and moved to King's Lynn, Norfolk in 1975.
Yau began his professional journey in 1992 with the launch of Wagamama and was honored with an OBE in the 2006 New Year Honours for his contributions to the restaurant sector. He later created several influential dining establishments such as Hakkasan (awarded a Michelin Star in 2003), Yauatcha (Michelin Star recipient in 2005), and Park Chinois. In 2016, Yau shifted focus to technology by founding Softchow, a platform centered on taste aggregation.
In April 2019, The Asian Awards acknowledged Yau’s significant influence on culinary arts by presenting him with the "Outstanding Achievement in the Arts" accolade.
Wagamama
Launched by Yau in 1992,[1] Wagamama is a ramen bar franchise that, as of early 2019, operated nearly 200 outlets globally.[2] Yau divested from Wagamama in 1997.[3]
Busaba Eathai
Established in 1999, Busaba Eathai is a casual dining Thai food chain. Yau exited the venture in 2008.
Hakkasan
Founded in 1999 as an upscale Chinese restaurant, Hakkasan broadened its scope to include nightlife offerings. It achieved a Michelin Star in 2003. Yau left Hakkasan in 2008.
Yauatcha
Yau founded Yauatcha in 2004, a dim sum eatery and patisserie tea house chain that earned a Michelin Star in 2005. He sold his interests in the business in 2008.
Princi UK
In collaboration with Rocco Princi, Yau launched Princi, an Italian bakery located in Soho, in 2008. He sold his stake to Starbucks by 2016.
Cha Cha Moon
Partnering with Kuwaiti company Kout Food Group, Yau opened Cha Cha Moon in 2008—a fast casual Chinese noodle bar situated in Kingly Court, London. A second branch at Whiteleys Shopping Centre closed within its first year. The Kingly Court venue ceased operations in 2016 following Kout Food Group’s exit from the UK market.
Babaji
Babaji, a Turkish pide eatery, was introduced to the London dining scene by Yau in 2014.
Duck and Rice
Launched in 2015 by Yau, Duck and Rice is a Chinese-style pub located in Soho, London, specializing in comforting traditional dishes.
Park Chinois
Park Chinois, established in 2015, is a Chinese restaurant centered on entertainment, drawing inspiration from the supper clubs of 1930s Shanghai. It highlights authenticity, reflecting Yau's cultural background and culinary influences.
Softchow
Softchow, created by Yau in 2017, serves as a "taste aggregation platform" designed to revolutionize the way food is discovered and delivered.
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