An important figure in Hong Kong's catering industry, the 57-year-old founder of "Ban Chang Si", Zheng Weitao, passed away from pancreatic cancer. As a man who started out as a kitchen worker and eventually founded a well-known restaurant chain that has left a unique mark on television and the real estate market, his story is full of hard work and challenge.
Zheng Weitao, this name has long been famous in the Hong Kong restaurant industry. He is not only known for founding the restaurants "Itamae Sushi" and "Itamae Sushi", but he is also respected for his TV show and indomitable spirit. His story begins in Shantou, where a young boy's dream is finally realized in Hong Kong through unremitting efforts.
In 1992, shortly after returning to Hong Kong, Cheng opened his first Japanese-style pancake shop. The store was an instant hit, and within a year, he opened 20 branches, which was an extremely rare success in the restaurant industry at the time.
His success was not without its challenges, and in 1996 he introduced the Japanese Ajisen Ramen, which was initially very successful, but as the market became saturated, he had to step back from management and retain only a small stake.
In 2004, Zheng Weitao opened "Itamae Sushi", which was a new high point in his catering career. Two years later, he introduced the Snow Village skewers from Kyushu Island, and in 2007 he opened the more upscale "Itajutsuji". His restaurant not only has branches in various districts of Hong Kong, but also has won wide acclaim for the quality of its food and services.
Zheng Weitao's reputation is not limited to the restaurant industry. In 2008, he successfully bid for the top bluefin tuna of "Japan One" for HK$430,000 at the "First Bid" auction in Japan's Tsukiji Market, a move that made him famous.
In 2009, he again bid for HK$840,000 for top-of-the-line tuna, and these successful bids not only strengthened his business reputation, but also took his restaurant business to the next level.
Zheng Weitao also puts his passion into television and real estate. He was the host of the food show "Infinite Harmony" and invested in the autobiographical TV series "Harmony Love" in 2008. This drama is based on his career history, starring Tao Dayu, a first-line TVB actor at the time, and is deeply loved by the audience.
With the success, Zheng Weitao also encountered many challenges. His company has been sued several times for trademark infringement and has lost several lawsuits. In 2019, he faced a judicial investigation for being questioned by a shareholder for fraud, and while the allegations ultimately proved to be baseless, the period undoubtedly put him under extreme pressure.
In 2017, Zheng Weitao was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The news came as a huge blow to him and his family, as well as to supporters. Despite the threat of his condition, he did not give up and began a difficult journey against cancer.
He tried a variety of treatments, including targeted therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In search of a more effective treatment, he even flew to Japan to undergo stem cell therapy.
During the course of treatment, Zheng Weitao recovered for a while, but unfortunately, at the end of 2023, his condition relapsed. In the months following the relapse, his health took a turn for the worse.
On April 2, 2024, Zheng Weitao tragically passed away in a hospital in Tokyo at the age of 57. The news was made public by his family and friends via social media on April 9, shocking the entire Asian restaurant scene as well as his fans.
The death of Cheng Weitao is not only a huge loss for his family, but also a great loss for the Hong Kong restaurant industry. He is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a benchmark for Hong Kong's food and beverage culture. His innovation and dedication to quality have set high standards for the F&B industry in Hong Kong.
Although Zheng Weitao is gone, his legacy and influence remain. His restaurants and TV shows continue to carry on his spirit, and his story has inspired countless young chefs and entrepreneurs. Zheng Weitao's life and career prove that no matter how difficult it is, perseverance and innovation can always open up a new world.