Chinese Restaurant Chains Expanded Into International Markets
Major dining brands from China prioritized growth in prime global business districts throughout 2026.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Chinese Food
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Chinese restaurant chains, including Chef Fei and Green Tea Restaurant Group, aggressively expanded their international footprints during 2026. This shift saw brands move beyond traditional locations to open outlets in key commercial hubs across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Why it matters
By expanding into premium international markets, these restaurant groups aim to elevate their brand images and secure new revenue streams. The strategy emphasizes a move away from niche ethnic enclaves toward high-traffic business districts to capture a broader global consumer base.
Chef Fei pays its store managers and head chefs an annual salary of US$130,000, while cooks earn an hourly wage between US$25 and US$40. Green Tea Restaurant Group projects 400 million yuan in annual overseas revenue for 2026.
The players
Chef Fei
This Chinese restaurant chain operates more than 200 locations within China.
Green Tea Restaurant Group
This dining entity is actively pursuing a strategy to increase its international retail footprint.
Tai Er
This brand contributed to industry growth by opening 35 overseas stores during the first half of 2026.
Home Original Chicken
This restaurant chain expanded its reach into Southeast Asia through a joint venture with Treasure Restaurant.
Yang Guofu
This chain has seen success in Europe, where foreign diners now account for over half of its total customers.
The details
Companies are utilizing a standardized approach by deploying core management teams from China to train local staff and ensure operational consistency. These chains are intentionally securing commercial space in prime business districts, a departure from their historical reliance on traditional Chinatown locations.
Timeline
April 2026: Home Original Chicken opened an outlet in Kuala Lumpur.
First half 2026: Green Tea Restaurant Group operated 22 overseas outlets.
September 1, 2026: Chef Fei opened a new location in San Diego.
By end of 2026: Green Tea Restaurant Group expects to operate 30 overseas outlets.
Culture Shift
The expansion follows the broader trend of the internationalization of Chinese quick-service and fast-casual dining brands as firms seek mature consumer bases. This movement marks a departure from traditional local models toward a standardized global retail approach.
Consumers in major international cities can expect more high-end Chinese dining options located in business districts rather than just traditional ethnic neighborhoods. These openings may shift local competitive dynamics for lunch-hour dining and premium casual meal segments.
The takeaway
The move into international markets reflects a strategic shift in the Chinese hospitality sector toward high-visibility urban branding. For diners, this transition suggests a more consistent, premium experience as chains prioritize standardized management and staffing across all global locations.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Chinese Food as global brands continue to adapt their business models.
Source note: This article includes information reported by City News Service.
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