Yum acquires Chinese casual dining chain Huang Ji Huang

Restaurant operator Yum China, which operates KFC and Pizza Hut in the territory, has purchased a controlling interest in Chinese-style casual dining franchise Huang Ji Huang.

The brand, launched in 2004, has more than 640 restaurants within China and overseas operating primarily under a franchise model, offering simmer pot and localized fast-food cuisines.

After settling the purchase, Yum China says it will now establish a Chinese-dining business unit that will involve its three core Chinese dining brands – Little Sheep, East Dawning, and now Huang Ji Huang.

The company hopes the new business unit will build a significant share of the Chinese-style dining market within Mainland China, building on its own scale and operational network, complemented by Huang Ji Huang’s track record and skills in product research and development, franchisee management, and Chinese dining expertise.

As of the end of last year, Yum China had 9200 restaurants in more than 1300 cities.