On April 15, Hong Kong media reported that Zheng Weitao (Ricky), the founder of the famous local restaurant chain "Ban Changshou", passed away due to cancer at the age of 57.
According to reports, Zheng Weitao was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017. He recovered after treatment, but unfortunately relapsed and passed away in Tokyo on April 2.
Zheng Weitao revealed during his lifetime that he tried a variety of methods to treat pancreatic cancer, including targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc., and also went to Japan to receive stem cell treatment.
A friend of Zheng Weitao posted on the social platform on April 9, "Itamae boss Zheng Weitao finally lost his battle with cancer last week and passed away. Old friend, have a good journey!"
Founder of the catering professional service company "Food King" Liang Zhenyu responded to the media and confirmed that Zheng Weitao lost his battle with cancer in early April and passed away.
Zheng Weitao is not just a restaurant owner. He once cooperated with TVB to produce the food program "The Taste of Harmony".
In 2006, Zheng Weitao hosted the first series of "Boundless Harmony" with Li Chun'en and Guan Enna:
Two years later, he hosted the second series of "Boundless Flavor of Harmony" with Xu Shumin:
In 2008, Zheng Weitao invested in the filming of the autobiographical TV series "Beauty of Harmony" "Love", the story is based on his career history, and the character is played by Tao Dayu, the first brother of TVB at the time.
In addition, "Fish Leaping in Flowers" starring Julian Cheung, Myolie Wu, and Liu Songren was broadcast in 2011. "Ban Changshou" founded by Zheng Weitao sponsored the food throughout the entire process, and he himself served as the culinary consultant for the show.
Itamae Sushi and Itamae Sushi restaurants once set up branches in various districts in Hong Kong. Now, Itamae Sushi has closed down across the board.
Zheng Weitao moved to Hong Kong from Shantou when he was a child. He only had a high school education and worked in the kitchen after dropping out. Because he was fascinated by Japanese culture, he went to work as a sushi apprentice there and spoke fluent Japanese.
In 1992, Zheng Weitao returned to Hong Kong and opened a Japanese pancake shop, opening 20 branches within a year.
In 1996, Zheng Weitao introduced Ajisen Ramen from Japan, and the company was listed in Hong Kong. As the ramen market became saturated, he retained a small share of the stock and exited the management.
In 2004, Zheng Weitao opened the first Itamae Sushi. In 2006, he introduced Yukimura Yakitori from Kyushu Island. In 2007, he opened the high-end Itamae Sushi.
On the first day of sales every year after the New Year in Japan’s Tsukiji Market, a grand “First Bid” auction will be held. Locals will bid at high prices for the top-quality bluefin king tuna, known as “Japan’s No. 1”. In 2008, Itamae Sushi bought bluefin tuna in Japan for HK$430,000 for the first time and sold it in the restaurant. The fish was sold out within an hour, making Zheng Weitao famous.
The following year, Zheng Weitao once again won the "Japanese No. 1" investment for HK$840,000. After
made money, Zheng Weitao entered TV hosting food and beverage programs, and was active in the real estate industry, buying and selling shops for profit.
While Zheng Weitao was expanding his catering business, he was also involved in many lawsuits, including being accused of trademark infringement, which Zheng Weitao was sentenced to lose.
In 2019, Zheng Weitao was questioned by Pan Jiawen, one of the company's shareholders, for opening a "Banqian" branch without authorization. Zheng Weitao proposed a settlement of 40 million Hong Kong dollars.
At that time, Zheng Weitao disclosed in court that he suffered from pancreatic cancer in 2017, hoping to end the lawsuit as soon as possible and treat the cancer quietly.
