Grilled: Loft Eatalicious Founder Chan Banks on Australian Beef

In the lead up to the Beijinger's month-long Burger Cup (which kicked off May 16 with burger specials around town), we are grilling the restaurateurs taking part. Today's segment stars Benby Chan, founder of Loft Eatalicious, one of the many eateries that will not only be slinging juicy patties at our May 28 Burger Festival, but also vying for the title of Burger Cup champion (voting for which begins on May 30). Below, Chan tells us about leaving the world of finance in order to bank on Loft Eatalicious’ signature burger.

How long have you been a burger flipper?
I was an investment banker and CEO of a listed major industrial conglomerate in Asia before founding my own investment company. At the peak of my finance career, I took 200 flights and stayed 270 hotel nights a year. That was fun and exotic but I decided to opt for semi-retirement in order to spend more time with the family. The restaurant business was more of a pastime for me initially, as I always enjoyed meeting and interacting with different people. We first opened a 900-square-meter café, which housed the first rendition of the Loft Eatalicious kitchen. Seeing as I take every interest seriously, approaching them with all my heart and passion, the restaurant business flourished and has now become a serious investment.

Give us the lowdown on your signature burger.
Our Eatalicious Beef Burger with fries is offered at our restaurant for RMB 99. It will be served, without fries, at the May 28 Burger Festival at a big discount: RMB 30.

Brief us on your beef.
Our beef comes from Australia. We only use the best available quality beef to make the patties.

Click "Read more" for the rest of the interview.

The Beijinger's 2016 Burger Cup is brought to you in cooperation with the following sponsors:

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