MICHELIN-Starred Hong Kong Eatery Says It's Not Affiliated With Upcoming KL Restaurant
The Cantonese restaurant's familiar-looking sign was spotted on a billboard at a luxury shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur.
By May Vin Ang — 13 Oct 2023, 03:25 PM
An upscale eatery in Hong Kong, which holds one MICHELIN star, has taken to social media to clarify that it has no affiliation with a restaurant spotted bearing the same name and logo in Kuala Lumpur
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, 10 October, The Chairman Restaurant said that it has no branches, franchises, or operations outside of its establishment at 198 Wellington Street in Central, Hong Kong.
"In particular, but without limitation to the foregoing, we do not have any operation in Malaysia and do not have any association with any restaurant opened or to be opened in Malaysia bearing the name 'Chairman' or '大班樓'," it said.
"For the record, we have not authorised or approved any person or entity in or outside Hong Kong to use any of our English or Chinese names and/or any of our logos and related designs," it added.
The restaurant, awarded its MICHELIN star in 2021 and named Hong Kong's Best Restaurant on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants ranking this year, is owned by chef Danny Yip.
Earlier this week, Malaysian food lovers were excited to spot the familiar-looking Cantonese restaurant's name on a billboard on the fifth floor of Pavilion Damansara Heights shopping mall
According to the advertisement, the outlet is slated to open in January 2024.
Following the billboard sighting, Malay Mail also reported the possibility of Hong Kong's renowned The Chairman Group opening a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.
However, the new restaurant in Kuala Lumpur has now been confirmed to be a separate entity from the famed Hong Kong restaurant
The operator of the Malaysian restaurant has also since released its own statement on the matter, referring to the issue as a "recent confusion".
The Chairman Group Malaysia said it has "no affiliation with the Hong Kong restaurant".
The statement continues, "On a positive note, we are excited to share that Mr Chan, one of the founders of Chairman Hong Kong and our advisor, will soon be introducing a new establishment in Malaysia, showcasing exciting innovations and locally-inspired dishes."
According to South China Morning Post, Hong Kong's trademark infringement laws are territory-based, but the Hong Kong restaurant is able to pursue a passing-off action against the Kuala Lumpur group for using distinctive elements of their brand.
