Does Quanjude have any plans to open more restaurants overseas?
J: We do plan to open more branch restaurants overseas, but not at this time. As a roast duck restaurant, the quality of the duck itself is extremely important. However, the export of Peking ducks (with specific feeding methods for Quanjude roast duck) is currently problematic. Since the outbreak of bird flu, the Chinese mainland has been seen as an infected area, causing duck exports to many countries to be restricted. Under such circumstances, we can only use ducks local to the overseas branch restaurants. But I have to admit that the quality of their local ducks is not as good as the Peking ducks. Therefore, we decided not to open more restaurants overseas before we solve the duck export problem in order to ensure the quality and reputation of Quanjude’s roast duck. We are actively negotiating with many countries right now about the duck export problem. Epidemic prevention has been accomplished very well in Beijing, and all the ducks used by Quanjude are strictly selected. During th
