Cover George Quek, founder and chairman, BreadTalk Group
George Quek, founder and chairman, BreadTalk Group
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These Asian founders have captivated audiences around the world with homegrown food concepts and international partnerships
The new year is off to a promising start for Jollibee Foods Corporation as tycoon Tony Tan Caktiong solidifies the company’s standing as a global food company. This month, the multinational announced its acquisition of Taiwan’s Moon Moon Food, as well as opened Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines, the first international branch of the Singaporean pastry maker.
Similarly, other Asian industry leaders are making strides to expand their food empires. Founder George Quek spearheads the continued growth of BreadTalk Group. Best known for its boutique-inspired bakery BreadTalk, which has locations in China, Saudi Arabia and more, the food group also operates Toast Box, Wu Pao Chun Bakery and the world-renowned Din Tai Fung. Meanwhile, Charles Hsu, who is behind TTFB Restaurant Group, fulfils his vision of making TTFB the world’s leading Asian restaurant brand, nurturing diverse concepts that span Thai, Chinese, and Southeast Asian flavours.
The achievements of these tycoons from Asia’s Most Influential demonstrate that thriving in the food industry involves more than just offering outstanding products—it requires a relentless dedication to innovation and expansion. Together, they show how Asian businesses are transforming the global food landscape, redefining how people experience food and drinks today.
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Tony Tan Caktiong, founder and executive chairman, Jollibee Foods Corporation (Philippines)
Above Tony Tan Caktiong, founder and executive chairman, Jollibee Foods Corporation
Tony Tan Caktiong, founder and executive chairman, Jollibee Foods Corporation
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Tycoon Tony Tan Caktiong grew a small ice cream business into Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), the multinational food company that now operates 19 brands with over 9,000 locations in over 30 countries. Its flagship brand Jollibee is the largest fast-food chain in the Philippines and has a growing presence across Asia, North America and Europe. In 2024, the fast-food giant, known for the Chickenjoy, opened its 100th store in North America in British Columbia, Canada.
JFC manages several popular international brands, as well, including Burger King, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Singapore’s Tiong Bahru Bakery, Taiwan’s Milksha, South Korea’s Compose Coffee and Hong Kong’s Tim Ho Wan. In January 2025, JFC announced that Milksha would acquire a 70-per cent stake in Tien Hsia Sheng Co, the Taiwanese firm behind Moon Moon Food. With 13 locations in Taiwan, Moon Moon Food has been recognised by the Michelin Bib Gourmand for seven consecutive years. In a statement, the company said it will integrate its healthy soups and home-style dishes to expand Milksha’s audience.
Read Tony Tan Caktiong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
George Quek, founder and chairman, BreadTalk Group (Singapore)
Above George Quek, founder and chairman, BreadTalk Group
George Quek, founder and chairman, BreadTalk Group
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George Quek’s entrepreneurial journey began in Taiwan, where he sold dragon’s beard candy, before introducing Singaporean dishes through Singa. After selling Singa, he had a brief stint with ice cream in Shanghai but ultimately returned to Singapore to establish Food Junction, which modernised food courts in the city. In 2000, Quek founded BreadTalk, drawing inspiration from the upscale bakeries of Japan and Taiwan and designed to offer a boutique-style experience.
Gaining renown for its breads and pastries, especially its popular floss buns, the bakery has grown to 460 stores in 14 markets, including China, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India and more. Under his leadership, BreadTalk Group has diversified its portfolio to include more concepts such as Toast Box, Food Republic, Butter Bean, Sō Ramen, Thye Moh Chan and partner brands Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Wu Pao Chun Bakery and Din Tai Fung, which has locations all over the world, from Thailand to the UK.
Read George Quek Meng Tong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Charles Hsu, founder, TTFB Restaurant Group (Taiwan)
Above Charles Hsu, founder, TTFB Restaurant Group
Charles Hsu, founder, TTFB Restaurant Group
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Charles Hsu is behind TTFB Restaurant Group, Taiwan’s largest Asian restaurant chain, offering diverse concepts spanning Thai, Chinese, Southeast Asian and American cuisines. Since launching Thai Town Cuisine in 1990, TTFB has expanded to include ten brands, including Shann Rice Bar, Very Thai Noodles, 1010 Hunan Cuisine, Yabi, The Diner and its newest addition, Shann Shann, introduced in 2024. Today, the group operates over 150 branches across Taiwan and Mainland China, with Thai Town—famed for its shrimp pancakes and yellow curry chicken—standing out as one of its most beloved brands.
Hsu also pioneered the Asian Cuisine Standardisation System, an innovative chef training programme inspired by taekwondo’s belt system, reducing training time to just 13 months. “We are committed to creating delicious experiences and exceeding every expectation. This is our unwavering promise and the driving force behind our progress,” said Hsu, whose vision is to make TTFB the world’s leading Asian restaurant brand.
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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