Chowking

Chowking (Chinese: 超群; pinyin: chāoqún; lit. 'preeminent') is a Filipino chain of fast food restaurants that specializes in Filipino Chinese cuisine.[2]

Not to be confused with Choking.
Chowking
The Chinese script 超群 /pinyin: chāoqún/ means "outstanding"
Product typeFilipino Chinese cuisine fast food chain
OwnerFresh N Famous Foods[1]
CountryPhilippines
Introduced1985 (1985)
Related brands
Previous ownersChowking Food Corporation
Websitewww.chowking.com
www.chowkingusa.com

History

Chowking was established in 1985 by Robert Kuan after working several years managing his family's Ling Nam Wanton Parlor, a Chinese noodle shop based in Santa Cruz, Manila specializing in noodles, congee, siopao, siomai and other dim sum offerings. Kuan conceptualized Chowking as a fast food restaurant with similar offerings as Ling Nam and opened the first Chowking store on March 18, 1985 in the Rotary Foundation Building (now demolished and part of SM Makati), Makati Commercial Center, Makati.[3][4]

In 1989, Chowking started expanding its market share amid the volatility of the domestic market. It opened its franchising operations[5] and made its entry into the provincial markets; that same year, Chowking's annual income reached 1 million pesos.[6]

Chowking at the SM City Baliwag
Typical exterior of a Chowking restaurant
Chowking restaurant interior in Mandaue, Cebu

On January 1, 2000, Chowking became a wholly owned subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corporation. Store renovations were commenced to create a new corporate look for Chowking that would result in a comprehensive change for each store.

In 2008, Chowking announced the completion of a ₱270-million (US$5.65-million) modernization program, in an attempt to set the stage for future growth. Called “Project DMSSM”[7] (pronounced “dimsum”) for “Designed, Modernized and Streamlined Supply Chain and Manufacturing,” the two-year modernization program that started in 2006 involved the expansion and renovation of Chowking's Noodle Building, increased automation and the improved integration of food manufacturing processes in its two commissaries in Muntinlupa.[8]

Foreign expansion

Chowking Food Corporation opened its first US store in 1995;[9] three years later, it entered the Indonesian market, opening two stores in the capital city of Jakarta.[10]

In 2004, Chowking opened its first two stores in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[11] By 2008, Chowking had over 400 stores within the Philippines, Indonesia, United States and the Middle East. In Dubai, Chowking's commissary supplied ten stores.

In 2011, Jollibee acquired control over the franchised operations of Chowking USA, later on giving the full ownership to JFC.[12] They also gave 25% ownership to JFC Ayco Inc.[1]

As of April 2011, Chowking operates in key international cities in the US, Indonesia (2),[13] United Arab Emirates (17), Qatar (2) and Oman (1).

Chowking is also active in the organization of Filipino events in Jakarta.

The brand was a partner in the Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Márquez III boxing fundraiser event, together with San Miguel Indonesia, the Four Asian Tigers and the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia.[14] The proceeds were donated to the Jollibee Foundation in 2011 for the benefit of Filipino typhoon victims.

Chowking also partnered with the London School of Public Relations-Jakarta for the latter's first Quadmedia Competition, where students pitched their advertising concepts to a panel of judges consisting of industry professionals.[15]

References
  1. "Fresh N' Famous Foods Inc Company Profile". EMIS. Retrieved November 1, 2017. Fresh N' Famous Foods Inc, a subsidiary of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) operates and franchises quick-service restaurants under the trade names "Chowking" and "Greenwich"; Red Ribbon Bakeshop, Inc.
  2. Hookway, James (October 4, 2002). "Chowking Spices Up Market For Fast Food in Philippines". The Wall Street Journal.
  3. "Remembering Roberto Kuan, an exemplary businessman". BusinessWorld. September 28, 2018. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  4. Ancheta, Angelo (November 6, 2018). "The heart beyond the vision: Robert F. Kuan". Tulay. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  5. JIp (2007). "Chowking Franchise in the Philippines". Franchise Philippines. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
  6. Hosting, Foods. "Chowking Menu & Price List Philippines 2023". Foods Hosting. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  7. Staff (2008). "Chowking - PRESS RELEASES". PRessroom. Writers Edge Philippines. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
  8. "Chowking completes two-year modernization program". GMA News Online. Retrieved February 16, 2022.
  9. "Home - restaurantsnearm". November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 29, 2022.
  10. "Chowking Menu Prices Philippines 2023". Quick Menu. June 26, 2023.
  11. Manila Bulletin (posted by Rex Crisostomo) (March 26, 2006). "Chowking steps up global forays". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  12. Doris C., Dumlao (May 20, 2011). "Jollibee taking over US franchise of Chowking". inquirer.net.
  13. luiszabalajr (April 27, 2011). "Chowking Jakarta BEEF BROCCOLI" (Video upload). YouTube. Google, Inc. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  14. junglemonkeyz (November 14, 2011). "JAKARTA- EXCITED PINOYS AND OTHERS, GATHERED FOR PACQUIAO-MARQUEZ 3". junglemonkeyz. Wordpress. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  15. LSPR News Online (June 25, 2012). "LSPR 1st QuadMedia Competition Presented by Chowking". LSPR News Online. Archived from the original on January 14, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.