Talk of the Town: BreadTalk to launch food atrium & new eatery concepts in Wisma Atria and other locations in Hong Kong

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Abraham Tucker
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1 Group Limited 171 Kampong Ampat #05-01 to 06 KA Foodlink Singapore Telephone Facsimile Website PRESS RELEASE CONTACT INFORMATION Tel: Ho See Kim, Chin May Nah, Talk of the Town: BreadTalk to launch food atrium & new eatery concepts in Wisma Atria and other locations in Hong Kong» Through wholly-owned subsidiary Topwin, BreadTalk embarks on the following expansion in Singapore and Hong Kong: - a 23,000 sq-ft food atrium in Wisma Atria s Level 4 BreadTalk s first in Singapore slated to open in October It will also introduce a unique buffet pizzeria on Level 1 and a street-level tropical chill-out alfresco joint - Topwin invests HK$2.55 million for an 85% stake in Megabite Hong Kong Limited, which will manage and operate food courts, fast food outlets, restaurants and cafes in the SAR. SINGAPORE 20 July 2005 SESDAQ-listed food & beverage chain BreadTalk Group Limited ( BreadTalk or the Group ) today announced that its subsidiary Topwin, through a wholly-owned unit, Megabite (S) Pte Ltd, has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with the Singapore-based Ristoranti Group, which plans to introduce three innovative food and beverage concepts in Wisma Atria, including a 23,000 sq ft food atrium. The Singapore-incorporated joint venture, MWA Pte Ltd, which will have a paid-up capital of $4.0 million, is in talks to secure prime space in Wisma Atria including: the 23,000 sq ft of contiguous space on the fourth floor of Wisma Atria, which will be transformed into a food atrium. Diners can expect the best of local and

2 Page 2 of 5 international cuisine under one roof, with up to 15 food and beverage (F&B) stalls, as well as 8 well-known mini restaurants within the integrated food atrium; the 2,000 sq ft of space currently occupied by Pizza Taglio on Level 1 of Wisma Atria, which will be transformed into a unique buffet cum a-la-carte pizzeria. Unlike conventional buffet eateries, the pizzeria will have its chefs walk around the restaurant serving a wide range of pizzas straight from the oven. True to BreadTalk s style, the pizzeria will also engage its customers and shoppers through visual interaction with its open kitchen concept; and, the 3,300 sq ft of alfresco space currently occupied by Terrazza, which will be changed into a tropical chill-out joint. The restaurant s natural setting promises a relaxed atmosphere with the refreshing sights and sounds of nature juxtaposed with the delightful blend of fusion food and beverages. Due to open in October 2005, BreadTalk s 800-seat food atrium will showcase highlights of Singapore food culture set in a contemporary ambience, with a tantalising medley of colour, sights and smells. The entry is timely following Wisma Atria s S$30 million revamp which included a dramatic transformation of its signature-blue façade into an all-glass frontage allowing more window displays aimed at shoppers and pedestrians; alfresco dining eateries along its Orchard Road frontage; and new external escalators to provide direct access to Level 3 and Level 4 of the mall. This marks BreadTalk s foray into the popular dining business in Singapore, shortly after the Group acquired Topwin Investment Holding Pte Ltd ( Topwin ) which owns and operates 14 award-winning Dashidai ( 大食代 ) brand of food courts in the PRC. It is also a significant leap in BreadTalk s growth strategy of expanding its bakery, food and beverage operations in Singapore and the region.

3 Page 3 of 5 On its plans for the new food atrium, Dr George Quek, BreadTalk s Group Managing Director said, The food atrium at Wisma Atria will revolutionise people s perceptions of popular dining, and revitalize the culinary experience of Singaporeans and international visitors alike. I am thrilled at the opportunity of introducing yet another new dimension to Singapore s food scene which will surely delight locals and tourists. Armed with more than 20 years of F&B experience in the region, Dr Quek is no newcomer to the F&B business in Singapore and overseas. He was a pioneer in developing the food court concept in Singapore back in 1997, when he founded a major food court chain. Since then, he was also instrumental in opening 14 Dashidai brand of food courts in the PRC. Through another subsidiary Taster Food Pte Ltd, BreadTalk will also introduce the famed Taiwanese Din Tai Fung restaurant BreadTalk s fourth branch in Singapore on Level 2 in the 2,700 sq ft prime space currently occupied by Gusto. The Din Tai Fung brand, renowned for its exquisite xiao long bao meat dumplings, was rated by The New York Times as one of the world s top 10 best restaurants in This is an exciting milestone for the BreadTalk Group as we will be a pioneer in introducing these unique culinary concepts in the heart of Orchard Road, and Wisma Atria is the perfect platform to showcase our culinary innovation, Dr Quek added. Mr Kevin Chee, President of Pacific Star Property Management Pte Ltd, Wisma Atria s property manager, said: The revamp of our Level 4 space as well as the introduction of these new food and beverage concepts within the mall is part of Wisma Atria s asset enhancement strategy, and is very much in line with our positioning as a lifestyle centre focused on fashion and dining. We are continually looking at ways to make Wisma Atria even more exciting. We are absolutely delighted that BreadTalk, renowned for defining new culinary experiences, has decided to use Wisma Atria as the launch-pad for its exciting food and beverage concepts, Mr Chee added.

4 Page 4 of 5 Megabite Hong Kong In a separate announcement, BreadTalk disclosed that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Topwin, will invest HK$2.55 million in cash for an 85% stake in Megabite Hong Kong Limited ( Megabite Hong Kong ) which will manage and operate food courts, fast food outlets, restaurants and cafes in Hong Kong. Representing Topwin on the board of Megabite Hong Kong are its directors, Mr Chen Poh On and Mr Frankie Quek Swee Heng. The investment, to be funded entirely from BreadTalk s internal sources, is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated earnings and net tangible assets per share of BreadTalk Group for the financial year ending 31 December Over the last seven years, Topwin s Dashidai brand has managed to secure a strong market positioning in Shanghai and Beijing, and major cities along the Eastern seaboard. We feel there is tremendous potential for the brand to grow beyond China, which is why we have decided to seize the opportunity and penetrate the Hong Kong market where the food court concept is yet to be fully established, said Dr Quek. So far, the food court concept in Hong Kong has not reached its full potential. More can be done, such as optimizing the tenant mix with an interesting blend of local and international cuisine, and providing a captivating ambience to attract the young, cosmopolitan families and working professionals, he added. The first 650-seat Dashidai food court in Hong Kong, to be located on the third floor of Cityplaza in the vibrant Tai Koo Shing area, is expected to open by the end of this year. Cityplaza, owned by Swire Properties Ltd whose stable of premium malls include Pacific Place and Festival Walk, is directly connected to Tai Koo MTR station. Known for its 78- feet Red Arch which is the largest and tallest indoor arch in Asia, Cityplaza has seven levels of shops, departmental stores, a seven-screen Cineplex, as well as the largest ice skating rink on Hong Kong Island.

5 Page 5 of 5 About BreadTalk Group Founded in 2000, BreadTalk has become a distinctive Singapore brand that has gained international appeal. Renowned for the way it has revolutionised the culture of bread consumption with its visually appealing, aromatic and unique-tasting products, the Group owns and operates 24 bakery outlets in Singapore, as well as 11 outlets in Shanghai, four in Beijing and three in Shenzhen. Through a joint venture, BreadTalk now has two outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The BreadTalk brand has also rapidly expanded in the region with nine franchised outlets in Indonesia s Jakarta, two in Surabaya, one each in Bandung and Bali; one outlet in Taiwan, and four outlets each in Kuwait and Manila respectively. A franchised outlet in Hong Kong opened in June In 2003, the Group diversified into the restaurant business by operating the world-renowned Din Tai Fung brand of restaurants, known for its xiao long bao meat dumplings, in Singapore. Din Tai Fung, which originated from Taiwan more than 30 years ago, was rated by The New York Times as one of the world s top 10 best restaurants in The Group now operates three Din Tai Fung restaurants in Singapore, located in Paragon Shopping Centre, Junction 8 Shopping Centre and Tampines Mall. Two more restaurants in Wisma Atria and Raffles City are slated to open in 2005 and mid 2006 respectively. In 2005, BreadTalk penetrated further into the China market by acquiring Topwin Investment Holding Pte Ltd, which owns and operates 14 food courts under the award-winning brand-name Dashidai ( 大食代 ) or Megabite in the PRC. BreadTalk s efforts at building strong brand equity have also earned it numerous awards, including Singapore Promising Brand Award (SPBA) s Silver Award in 2004, "Singapore Most Distinctive Brand Award in 2003 and 2004, as well as the Singapore Most Popular Brand Award 2002 awarded by the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) and Singapore Press Holdings. In 2002, Group Managing Director Dr George Quek also clinched the Entrepreneur of the Year award given by ASME and the Rotary Club of Singapore. In 2004, BreadTalk clinched the coveted Design For Asia Award from the Hong Kong Design Centre, as well as the Most Transparent Company Award organized by the Securities Investors Association of Singapore (Runner-Up, SESDAQ category). About Wisma Atria WISMA ATRIA, comprising 5 levels of shops and 13 levels of offices, is a premier, trend-setting shopping destination. Pivotally located on Singapore s busiest shopping belt, Orchard Road, it is also directly linked to the Orchard Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station which brings in thousands of shoppers daily. Wisma Atria features over 100 specialty shops and boutiques including top international fashion and lifestyle brands complemented by a variety of trendy food and beverage options. Awarded the prestigious Superbrands Awards 2004/2005, it is the preferred destination for discerning shoppers who seek distinctive shopping, dining and entertainment experiences. Wisma Atria s tagline, Where It s All Happening, aptly captures its pulsating spirit that promises shoppers exciting experiences in a place where the action never ends. For the latest happenings, visit wismaonline.com. # # # #

Food Republic cooks up a storm at Suntec City Convention Centre

BREADTALK GROUP LIMITED Registration No. 200302045G NEWS RELEASE The Culinary Library: Food Republic s third Edition Food Republic cooks up a storm at Suntec City Convention Centre - BreadTalk opened its