At the age of 19, Zhang Yong happily escaped from the company cafeteria to have lunch at a real restaurant.

Then, a turning point took place that changed the history of Chinese cuisine.

Now, Zhang has become the owner of China’s most popular and successful hot pot restaurant chain – Haidilao.

Mr. Zhang’s ambition is to turn Haidilao into a global brand.

According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Mr. Zhang is also one of China’s newest billionaires thanks to his ownership of 63% of shares in Hai Di Lao Holdings along with 36% of shares in Yihai International.

Mr. Zhang said he will continue to expand his business and aims  to open 80 more stores this year, including 10 overseas.

Hot pot restaurants are becoming increasingly popular as China’s younger generation joins the middle class and begins to eat together.

Customers who come to eat alone will sometimes be given a teddy bear by the restaurant as a friend.

Haidilao is China’s most popular hot pot restaurant chain.

Zhang understands the difficulties his employees from remote areas face in the big city.

In addition, Haidilao also has a reserve fund to help employees’ families when suffering damage from natural disasters.

Zhang has found success domestically as Haidilao restaurants have sprung up across China, but it’s unclear whether the model can do the same overseas.

However, Zhang is determined to make Haidilao a global brand.

`McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Starbucks all reflect American culture. As the Chinese economy develops and the world begins to pay more attention to the country, I believe Chinese restaurants will have the opportunity to grow.`