East Dawning

East Dawning
Dong Fang Ji Bai (东方既白)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryRestaurant
Founded2004; 20 years ago (2004)
HeadquartersShanghai, China
ProductsChinese cuisine (fast food format)
OwnerYum China
Websitewww.dfjb.com.cn
East Dawning restaurant at Beijing South railway station in 2020
East Dawning restaurant at Shenzhen North railway station in 2019

East Dawning (Chinese: 东方既白, Dongfang Jibai) is Yum China's fusion of the KFC business model with Chinese cuisine.[1] Chinese food is served exclusively, but the chain focuses on the elements of Chinese cuisine that are more quickly and easily prepared. This excludes some dishes, such as boiled dumplings (jiaozi), but includes steamed pastries such as steamed buns, including the popular xiaolongbao. Soft drinks are eschewed in favor of traditional and modern Chinese drinks such as teas (including milk tea), juices, and soy milk.[2] However, unlike most Chinese fast food, East Dawning uses consistent recipes and preparation methods between restaurants.[1] The restaurants are designed to resemble Chinese homes; for instance, the dining tables are similar to offering tables found in many homes.[1]

A test cafeteria-style restaurant was opened in Shanghai in 2004. After the failure of the test restaurant,[1] Yum! Brands chose the KFC business model (KFC is the most successful Western chain in China) and found greater success.[1] As of the first quarter of 2013, there are 30 East Dawning restaurants in China.[3] The restaurants are located in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Suzhou.[4] In 2016, Yum! Brands spun off their Chinese operations into Yum China, which included East Dawning.[5]

  1. ^ a b c d e Adamy, J. (20 October 2006). "One U.S. Chain's Unlikely Goal: Pitching Chinese Food in China". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 14 May 2014. (subscription required)
  2. ^ "A New Chinese Flavor". The Wall Street Journal. 20 October 2006. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  3. ^ Yum! China
  4. ^ 东方既白 Archived 2007-06-25 at the Wayback Machine [East Dawning]
  5. ^ "Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that it has completed the separation of Yum China Holdings, Inc. (“Yum China”) from Yum! Brands, creating two powerful, independent, focused growth companies."