Wong at the opening ceremony.
THE Grand Imperial Group marked a milestone with the launch of its eighth branch in the country.
The group had opened its flagship restaurant at The Club @ Bukit Utama in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, in late 2019 but had to delay its grand launch because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Known for its opulent venues that serve fine-dining Chinese cuisine, the brand with a 14-year history has turned a page with a new owner on board.
The group was acquired by Datuk Wong Nam Loong – owner of the Esquire Kitchen chain of restaurants – at the end of 2021.
Wong, who is the group’s chief executive officer, said he had confidence in the group’s capacity to grow after two difficult years.
“We did incredibly well during the Chinese New Year period this year before the Omicron wave hit businesses, but we were back on track in April,” he said.
“I expect we will exceed the turnover that we achieved in 2019, by the end of this year,” he added.
Wong noted that the previous management had done well to establish the brand among the top names in the Chinese fine-dining niche, saying that the group would strive to make continuous improvements to elevate the brand.
Lobster served at the launch of Grand Imperial Group’s eighth venue in Petaling Jaya.
“We are one of the first names to come to mind when people are planning a grand event, whether it is a business dinner or wedding banquet,” he said.
Wong brings 25 years of experience in running restaurants, having taken over the Esquire Kitchen chain amid the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
The Club @ Bukit Utama venue boasts the largest floor space among all Grand Imperial restaurants.
It holds eight private dining rooms, a pillarless banquet hall that can host up to 1,000 guests and even has a musical fountain within a wall.
The group is also looking forward to the opening of a hotpot and barbecue branch at First World Plaza in Genting Highlands this September, followed by its 10th outlet to be located in Shah Alam’s Setia City Mall, Selangor, in 2023.
“We want to signal to the market that the food and beverage industry is here to stay.
“The Club @ Bukit Utama is our most opulent venue to date and I think it can compete with any grand restaurant in the country or overseas,” said Wong.
He assured customers that despite inflation, the group would not compromise on quality and standards.
