RESTAURANTS group Golden Island (Holdings) will focus on expansion in China, although it says time is needed to study Chinese spending habits.
Managing director Jamson Wong Tak-ngai said the company's presence on the mainland was important as the market for food operations there was huge.
'It's never an easy task to understand all different eating-out patterns in such a large country. But the changing economy has already created a wealthy sector of potential consumers,' he said.
'Also, restaurants are always a good place for businessmen to socialise.' Golden Island has two Chiu Chau restaurants in China.
A Shantou joint-venture was opened on April 8, while a Dongguan branch started business last month.
The Dongguan restaurant is equipped with a staff training centre, which can take 200 people and will be used as the backup base for future operations in China.
Mainland workers to be employed in Hong Kong would also be trained there.