BAO founders Shing Tat Chung, Erchen Chang and Wai Ting Chung have announced that the Singapore-based The Lo & Behold Group (TLBG) has acquired JKS’s position in the company and will support the brand in its next phase of growth.
Originally founded as a bao-focused street food stall in East London’s Netil Market, BAO partnered with Gymkhana and Trishna owner JKS Restaurants in 2015 and has gone on to launch seven restaurants in the capital.
Founded by Teng Wen Wee in 2005, TLBG’s portfolio includes three Michelin-starred French restaurant Odette, The Warehouse Hotel and Tanjong Beach Club.
The partnership with BAO represents the group’s first foray out of Singapore.
Earlier this year, the closure of Shoreditch restaurant Lyle’s saw the end of another of JKS Restaurants’ partnerships.
JKS Restaurants’ still supports a number of operators including Hoppers, Sabor, and James and Sandia Chang’s Kitchen Table.
“BAO’s success is thanks to the belief that Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina placed in us. Our partnership took us from a humble street-food stall to opening seven restaurants together, and we’ve learned so much from their relentless drive for excellence,” says BAO co-founder and CEO Shing Tat Chung.
“As we look ahead to the next ten years, we’re thrilled to partner with TLBG - looking forward to the energy and vision they’ll bring to our journey. Together, we embark on an exhilarating new chapter, one that will carry BAO, fuelled by our shared passion for creativity and innovation, into an exciting new era.”
Jyotin Sethi, Co-Founder and CEO of JKS, adds: “It’s been an incredible journey partnering with Shing, Erchen and Wai Ting over the past decade. Helping them grow BAO from a Netil Market street food stall, where we first met them, into one of London’s most exciting restaurant brands has been an adventure and a true privilege.
“Their story reflects what we strive for at JKS - discovering exceptional talent and working together to create something special. The BAO founders have always shared our passion for innovation, integrity, and excellence, and we’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together.
“We wish the team every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter.”