Crystal Jade to Open First U.S. Outlet in SF

Singapore-based restaurant chain Crystal Jade is making its first foray into the U.S., and they've chosen Four Embarcadero Center as their new home, according to an announcement made by Mayor Ed Lee on Friday. The chain serves Chinese fare and has locations in pretty much every East Asian nation, from China to Japan to South Korea, with more than two million diners per year streaming through its doors. They've teamed up with local restaurateur Gus Murad (Medjool) to take an enormous space at Embarcadero Center, with 16,000 square feet of room on the interior and a 4,000-square-foot outdoor area.

The project is an initiative of ChinaSF, an organization that's been trying to lure Chinese companies to launch their North American operations in SF. They've managed to bring over a handful of technology, biotech, and media firms, but this is their first entry into the restaurant business. It's clearly a bet on an increasing number of Asian (and especially Chinese) tourists seeking a familiar eatery while visiting for work or vacations. The project is scheduled to open in spring of next year.

· Crystal Jade [Official website]