US theme restaurant reaches the Peak Hong Kong's first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market was officially opened today (15 September).  This casual American seafood restaurant represents an investment of over HK$15 million towards local economy. The President and CEO of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Mr. Scott Barnett, said that the company believes in the strong growing business environment in Hong Kong and recognizes that the city is a major regional and international tourist hub. “We are very pleased to be here at the newly revamped Peak Tower, one of the most treasured and iconic landmarks in the world.” Mr Barnett explained that this is the first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market in Greater China. “This project has been made possible through a partnership with Hopewell Hong Kong Group Limited.  Together, we plan to open three further restaurants in Macau and Hong Kong over the next four years and we hope to expand into mainland China in the near future,” he said. Photo shows the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr. Mike Rowse (left), congratulating the President and CEO of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants Inc, Mr. Scott Barnett, on the grand opening of the company’s first outlet in Hong Kong. Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr. Mike Rowse welcomed Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.'s decision to open its first restaurant in Hong Kong. “We are delighted to see that another international restaurant network has chosen Hong Kong as a strategic location to expand in Asia, recognizing our city as a regional hub and international tourist destination.  We are particularly encouraged by the confidence that Bubba Gump has demonstrated in Hong Kong. The company has not only opened a new restaurant here, but has provided over 100 job opportunities.   We look forward to celebrating Bubba Gump's future expansion in our city,”said Mr. Rowse. The inspiration for this restaurant comes from the smash-hit family movie Forrest Gump.  The venue features movie memorabilia including reproductions of script pages, costumes, still photos and famous ‘Gumpism’ sayings on each table. Like Forrest Gump in the film, the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. supports various charities in its worldwide locations. In Hong Kong, 50% of the opening day turnover will be donated to Enlighten Hong Kong.  Enlighten Hong Kong is an organization that supports those affected directly or indirectly by epilepsy.  “At the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. our philosophy is that food is the hero. The name and theme draw people in and the experience, quality of food and excellent service, keep them coming back.” Mr. Barnett said. “All our staff are trained to the highest standards and work hard to maintain a fun and friendly atmosphere.  We want families to enjoy visiting Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. We want them to enjoy eating good food in pleasant surroundings.  And, most of all, we want them to have fun!”   The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. opened its first store in California ten years ago.  Since that time, it has opened 22 restaurants across America and in Mexico, Indonesia, the Philippines and Japan.  The next location scheduled to open is Tokyo Bay, Japan in October 2006. In 2006, the company's sales will reach $150 million in US dollars, with each outlet having its best year ever.  This represents almost a tripling of sales over a three-year period.  Over the next five years, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. plans to open 20 - 30 additional restaurants internationally and in the US.  For more information, please visit the website at www.bubbagump.com. Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk. End/Friday, 15 September, 2006