Taiwanese restaurant chain Din Tai Fung, renowned for its xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings), announced on Monday its decision to close 14 of its outlets in China by the end of October.
In a statement, Beijing Hengtaifeng Catering Co., which operates several of Din Tai Fung’s restaurants in China, explained that its 20-year business license is nearing expiration. Due to the failure of the board members to reach a consensus on renewing this license, the 14 restaurants will cease operations in the Chinese market by October 31.
The locations set to close include the Beijing Yu Yang branch, the Beijing SKP branch, the Beijing Xidan branch, the Beijing Parkview Green branch, the Beijing APM branch, the Beijing China World branch, the Cuiwei Wanaimeishijie branch (Beijing), the Golden Resources branch (Beijing), the Tianjin Hang Lung branch, the Vientiane City branch (Tianjin), the Qingdao Rio Carnival branch, the Qingdao Hisense branch, the Xi’an Namen branch, and the Paragon branch (Xiamen).
The company expressed regret for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause its customers and assured that it would offer compensation to its employees and work closely with partners to manage all subsequent matters.
“We remain positive about the Chinese market and will continue to monitor developments and trends within the restaurant sector,” the company stated.
Beijing Hengtaifeng Catering, established in 2004 through a partnership between Din Tai Fung and DaChan Great Wall Group, currently operates Din Tai Fung outlets in northern China and Xiamen. Meanwhile, Din Tai Fung collaborates with a different partner for its restaurants in eastern China.
According to Din Tai Fung’s official website, the chain currently operates 37 stores across Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Xi’an, Wuxi, Xiamen, Hong Kong, and Macau.
