Haidilao Hot Pot was founded by Zhang Yong, also known as Mark Yong, in 1994. Zhang was born in 1970 in Jianyang, a small city in the Sichuan province of China. He grew up in a rural area and did not receive much formal education. Zhang started his career in the food industry as a welder, making stoves and other kitchen equipment. In the early 1990s, Zhang and his wife, Shu Ping, moved to the city of Jianyang, where they opened a small hot pot restaurant. They started with a modest investment and named the restaurant Haidilao, which is a Chinese term used in the card game of Mahjong, meaning "fortune" or "good luck." Zhang was committed to offering exceptional customer service and high-quality food. He introduced innovative services like free snacks, board games, and even manicures for waiting customers, which quickly gained the restaurant a positive reputation. As the business grew, Zhang focused on standardizing the service and ingredients to ensure consistency across all locations. Haidilao's success can be attributed to Zhang's entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to customer service, and innovative approach to dining experiences. The company has expanded rapidly since its inception, with locations in various countries, and Zhang Yong has become one of the wealthiest people in China. His rags-to-riches story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs.