Zheng Weitao

Ricky Cheng Wai Tao (Chinese: 鄭威濤, born 1967 – died April 2, 2024) was a Hong Kong entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry. He served as the Managing Director of Itamae Sushi (now closed), Itacho Sushi (now closed), and Ajisen China. He also hosted the TVB food program "Taste the Flavour" for two seasons.

Biography

Originally from Chaozhou, Shantou, Ricky Cheng immigrated to Hong Kong and started his career as a kitchen apprentice. He later went to Japan to learn culinary arts and eventually founded Itamae Sushi and Itacho Sushi. The TVB drama "Taste of Love" was inspired by his success story.

In January 2008, he became the first Hong Kong citizen to win the auction for Japan's top-ranked Bluefin Tuna at Tsukiji Market, paying HKD 430,000. In January 2009, he jointly bid with a Japanese sushi restaurant and once again secured the top Bluefin Tuna for JPY 9.63 million (approximately HKD 840,000).

In 2017, Cheng was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He passed away on April 2, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan, at the age of 57.

Timeline

• 1975: Immigrated to Hong Kong from Shantou; graduated from Chiu Chow Business School in 1982 and enrolled in Pui Ying Secondary School (left in 1985 during Form 4).
• 1985: Dropped out of school to become an apprentice at a Japanese restaurant in Causeway Bay.
• 1987: Borrowed HKD 20,000 from his mother to follow his mentor to Japan and trained at ramen and sushi restaurants.
• 1989: Returned to Hong Kong and worked as a tour guide.
• 1994: Partnered with Li Siu Ling to introduce Japanese-style pancake roll shops; later collaborated with Au Yee Ming, owner of President Restaurant Group, to expand the pancake chain to 20 branches.
• 1996: After the pancake trend ended, all branches closed. Partnered with Pan Wei to introduce Ajisen Ramen to Hong Kong via franchise model.
• 2004: Opened the first Itamae Sushi branch in Tsim Sha Tsui with Pan Wei.
• 2006: Introduced Yuki Mura Yakitori from Kyushu, Japan; co-hosted TVB food program "Taste the Flavour" with Ella Koon.
• 2007: Opened the first overseas branch in Akasaka, Tokyo, along with high-end sushi restaurant Itacho Sushi.
• 2008:

  ** Won Japan's top-ranked Bluefin Tuna at Tsukiji Market; co-hosted the second season of "Taste the Flavour" with Suki Chui.  
  ** On June 17, Itamae Sushi was temporarily closed due to six food poisoning incidents until the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department was satisfied with its hygiene standards.  

• 2009:

  ** Again won Japan's top Bluefin Tuna with a Japanese partner for nearly JPY 10 million (approximately HKD 840,000), setting an eight-year price record; introduced Okada Coffee from Japan.  
  ** Served as culinary advisor and food sponsor for TVB drama "The Rippling Blossom," which aired in 2011.  

• 2010:

  ** Despite environmental groups' opposition, won the Bluefin Tuna King at Tsukiji Market for the third consecutive year. Conservationists held a moment of silence for the fish and urged the public not to consume it.  
  ** Purchased a Rolls-Royce, considering himself to have "leveled up" to the wealthy class.  

• 2011:

  ** Reports emerged of delayed salary payments to frontline Itamae Sushi staff; the company initially blamed bank issues but later admitted payroll miscalculations by branch managers.  

• 2012:

  ** Allegedly sold a prime retail property on Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok, for HKD 238 million, setting a record price per square foot in the area. Template:Fix/category

• 2013:

  ** Accused of secretly opening new Itamae Sushi and similar Itacho Sushi branches without informing shareholders and failing to transfer all shares to the new holding company.  
  ** During court hearings for the Itamae Sushi ownership dispute, behaved arrogantly, claiming he was "better looking than Aaron Kwok," causing public laughter.  

Racehorses

Ricky Cheng was a member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club and owned racehorses, many of which included the word "Fresh" in their names, such as "Super Fresh," "Market Beater," "Power Fresh," and "Latest Fresh."