Famed Hong Kong sushi chain founder Ricky Cheng has died at age 57, friend reveals
- King of Catering CEO Edmund Leung says founder of Itacho Sushi and Itamae Sushi brands died in Tokyo on April 2 after battle with cancer
- Sushi entrepreneur known for his frequent TV appearances and becoming first foreigner to claim prize lot at annual tuna auction in Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
Hong Kong sushi entrepreneur Ricky Cheng Wai-tao died earlier this month at the age of 57 after battling pancreatic cancer for several years, a friend of the legendary businessman has revealed.
Edmund Leung Chun-yu, CEO of restaurant operator King of Catering, said the founder of Itacho Sushi and Itamae Sushi brands died in Tokyo on April 2.
A social media post by Leung last Tuesday only came to the wider public’s attention on Monday night, prompting some internet users to offer their condolences.
“Boss of Itamae and Itacho, Cheng Wai-tao, died [on April 2] after battling with cancer,” Leung wrote.
The King of Catering CEO told the Post on Tuesday that the news of his friend’s death had caught him off guard.
“It was a very sudden news … also a bit emotional when learning a friend is gone,” he said. “We had also agreed to meet next time in Japan for a drink.”