Today we’d like to introduce you to Haibin Yang
Hi Haibin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey began with a simple idea: to redefine Asian cuisine in the US.
Chubby Cattle’s origin story is closely tied to my personal experience. I grew up in Inner Mongolia, where hotpot is one of the traditional meals. Early exposure to the restaurant industry ignited my passion for food and hospitality. In 2014, while in college, I opened a Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas’s Chinatown, but it faced severe financial challenges and incurred losses. Despite widespread skepticism, I transformed this failing venture into my first hot pot restaurant, Chubby Cattle.
Realizing that American exposure to hot pot was limited, I adopted an American perspective. I created a tasting menu, incorporating elements from various cuisines such as French, Chinese, and Japanese. Premium ingredients like Wagyu beef, caviar, and seafood were used. This innovation resonated with diners, propelling the restaurant’s success.
Following the success of the first hot pot restaurant, The X Pot, located in a casino, we haven’t stopped innovating and developing. Over the years, we’ve continuously launched new brands and concepts. Currently, we have 20+ restaurants across the United States, including popular spots like The X Pot, Chubby Cattle, Mikiya Wagyu Shabu-Shabu, and NikuX, our Yakiniku restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide. By 2025, we aim to have 60 restaurants.
In addition to our dining establishments, Chubby Group has introduced distinct consumer product lines, featuring items like Wagyu Rice Bowls and Wagyu Soup Dumplings. We specialize in distributing unmatched Wagyu and Caviar, contributing to elevating the dining scene. The “Chubby Club” loyalty program emphasizes our customer-first philosophy, offering members unparalleled benefits across all entities. With an ambitious trajectory, Chubby Group aims to inaugurate 1,000 locations over the next five years, dedicated to enriching the experiences of Chubby Club aficionados while leveraging the power of our integrated supply chain strategy.
Our continuous innovation and efforts to redefine Asian cuisine in the US have transformed a struggling adventure into a thriving symbol of fusion cuisine and culinary excellence.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey has certainly had its challenges. One of the main struggles we’ve faced is finding the right talent to work with. In the restaurant industry, securing the right partners is crucial, especially as our company is undergoing rapid expansion. Locally, it’s equally important to build a strong operations team, both front of house and back of house.
The front of house team, particularly the hosts, plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and positive first impression for our guests. Their ability to manage the flow of the restaurant and provide excellent customer service is essential to our success. Meanwhile, the back of house team, led by our chefs, is responsible for maintaining the high quality of our food. Consistency in food preparation, presentation, and taste is paramount, and finding skilled chefs who can uphold our standards has been a key focus.
Balancing these needs while expanding quickly has required us to be diligent in our hiring process. We’ve had to navigate challenges such as a competitive job market, varying skill levels, and ensuring a good fit with our company culture. Despite these hurdles, we remain committed to assembling a team that shares our vision and dedication to excellence. This focus on talent has been fundamental in overcoming obstacles and achieving our growth goals.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Chubby Group, formerly known as Chubby Cattle International, proudly stands as a premier Food and Beverage (F&B) holding company headquartered in the United States. Our journey is a testament to our commitment to culinary excellence, innovative dining concepts, and an unwavering dedication to enriching the gastronomic experiences of our patrons.
In our gastronomic odyssey, Chubby Group has become synonymous with a diverse array of dining concepts that have left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. From the immersive and communal hot pot experience at X Pot to the authentic and bold flavors of Chubby Cattle, the refined elegance of Niku X, and the traditional Japanese charm of Mikiya, our 12 multi-concept restaurants embody the essence of culinary diversity and creativity. Each establishment is a unique culinary journey, inviting patrons to embark on a distinctive and memorable dining experience.
Beyond the confines of our dining establishments, Chubby Group has ventured into the creation of distinct consumer product lines, extending our culinary excellence beyond the restaurant walls. Standouts in our repertoire include the delectable Wagyu Rice Bowls, a symphony of flavors and textures, and the exquisite Wagyu Soup Dumplings, where every bite tells a story of craftsmanship and culinary artistry. These offerings allow patrons to savor the exceptional quality and creativity of Chubby Group in the comfort of their own homes, creating a connection between our culinary expertise and the daily lives of our customers.
A cornerstone of our success lies in our specialization in the distribution of exceptional Wagyu and Caviar. At Chubby Group, we believe that the quality of our ingredients is paramount in crafting extraordinary culinary experiences. Our commitment to sourcing and delivering top-tier culinary ingredients ensures that every dish bearing the Chubby Group name meets the highest standards of excellence. This dedication to quality has positioned Chubby Group as a trusted purveyor of premium culinary delights, garnering the trust and loyalty of discerning patrons.
At the heart of our philosophy is a deep commitment to our patrons, and this commitment finds expression through our exclusive loyalty program – the “Chubby Club.” Designed to go beyond traditional rewards programs, the Chubby Club offers members unparalleled benefits across all Chubby Group entities. From exclusive dining privileges to behind-the-scenes culinary experiences, the Chubby Club is our way of expressing gratitude and building lasting relationships with our valued patrons. We view each member as an integral part of the Chubby Group family, and the Chubby Club serves as a testament to our customer-first approach.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising fact about me is that my idol, the Panda Restaurant Group, has recently invested in my company, Chubby Group. This investment is a significant recognition of our capabilities and vision. It’s incredibly gratifying to see that a company I have always admired not only believes in our potential but is also willing to support our growth.
Knowing that my idol acknowledges and values the hard work we’ve put into Chubby Group fills me with immense excitement and pride. This endorsement serves as a major motivation for me to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve. It reinforces my commitment to innovation and quality, and it’s a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Their support will undoubtedly drive me to work even harder and continually improve, ensuring that Chubby Group not only meets but exceeds the high standards set by industry leaders like the Panda Restaurant Group.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chubbygroup.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chubby.group/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ChubbyCattle
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@chubbycattlegrouphospitality
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chubby-cattle-bbq-rowland-heights-rowland-heights-2
