American Chinese diner PF Chang's opens in Shanghai

PF Chang's, an upscale American Chinese restaurant that is often featured in the hit comedy sitcom The Big Bang Theory, opened its first outpost in China late last month.

Founded in 1993 by Paul Fleming and Philip Chiang, the Arizona-headquartered restaurant chain has more than 470 outlets around the world, including about 250 in the United States. The Shanghai outpost, which represents an investment of about 30 million yuan ($4.69 million), is located in a shopping mall along East Nanjing Road.

"Many shopping malls in Shanghai are interested and want to talk to us," said Ryan Shen, the store manager of its Shanghai branch, on May 22. "The location is very important to a restaurant and more outlets may open in a short time," he added.

Though the restaurant is still in its soft opening phase, Shen said that business has been brisk. It has seen a mix of customers from home and abroad.

He added that a unique point about PF Chang's is that, unlike other Chinese restaurants where locals host their overseas friends, it is where the US expatriates and foreigners bring their Chinese friends to dine.

Shen said that the restaurant imports some of its ingredients while others like vegetables are sourced locally.

"For our international outlets, we have more food safety SOPs than in the US, especially in Shanghai," he said.

The dishes at PF Chang's are generally less greasy compared to typical Chinese restaurants. Some foodies approached by China Daily said its dishes are suited to the Chinese palate.