Haidilao Expands to Austin
Global hot pot giant Haidilao is expanding to North Austin, known for its theatrical service and customizable spicy broths. The opening is expected to attract both local foodies and the city's large Asian community.
The new 7,394-square-foot restaurant is slated for the Domain Northside at 11824 Rock Rose Ave., Suite 160. State filings reveal an estimated $2.5 million construction cost for the interior build-out, with a projected completion date of November 1, 2026. This will be Haidilao's 15th location in the United States. The chain was founded in 1994 in Jianyang, Sichuan province, by Zhang Yong along with his wife Shu Ping and another couple. Initially a small restaurant with only four tables, Zhang, a former welder who had never eaten in a restaurant until age 19, grew the business into a global enterprise. By the end of 2023, the company's revenue reached 41.5 billion yuan (approximately $5.7 billion). Haidilao is renowned for its over-the-top customer service, which includes free manicures, snacks, and games for waiting customers. Inside, diners are often treated to tableside performances by "noodle dancers" who theatrically stretch dough into long, continuous strands. As of early 2024, the company operated over 1,370 locations globally. In 2023 alone, Haidilao restaurants served more than 397 million customers. The Austin location will tap into a significant local demographic, as people of Asian descent constitute over 8% of the city's population.
