Zhang Yong (restaurateur)

Zhang Yong
Born	Jianyang, Sichuan, China
Occupation(s)	Restaurateur, businessman
Years active	1994–present
Known for	Founder of Haidilao hot pot restaurant chain
Spouse	Shu Ping

Zhang Yong () is a restaurateur originally from China who later became a Singaporean citizen. He is the creator and driving force behind the Haidilao brand, a widely recognized hot pot restaurant chain. By the close of 2018, Haidilao had expanded to 466 company-operated outlets spanning more than 100 cities. Zhang retains controlling interests in Haidilao Catering, Haidilao International Holding, and Yihai International.

Life and career

Hailing from Jianyang, Sichuan, China, Zhang initially worked as a welder and did not experience dining out until he was 19 years old. In 1994, he left his position at a tractor manufacturing plant to launch the inaugural Haidilao restaurant, which featured only four tables. This venture was co-established alongside his wife Shu Ping and partners Shi Yonghong and Li Haiyan.

The establishment swiftly grew to become the largest hot pot venue in its local area. In 1998, a second outlet named Lou Wai Lou was opened. By 2010, Haidilao had founded its own institution dedicated to training restaurant management personnel. Zhang’s entrepreneurial approach highlights hot pot as a means to harmonize qi (器) and Dao (道).

Family

Zhang is married to Shu Ping, who co-founded Sichuan Haidilao Catering and serves as a non-executive director. Together, they have one son. The family relocated to Singapore in 2018, where Zhang subsequently obtained citizenship.

Wealth

As reported by Forbes in July 2021, Zhang’s net worth was valued at US$15.8 billion, positioning him as the wealthiest restaurateur in China. That year saw a reduction of US$2.4 billion in his fortune due to a 17% decrease in the market value of his company’s shares. In 2019, he was ranked #126 on the Forbes Billionaires list and was recognized as Singapore’s third richest individual.

Published work

• Learn from Hai Di Lao, published in 2011