Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) earned at least two billion yuan (about US$ 250 million) from the Chinese mainland per year since the end of 1999, according to the State Statistical Bureau.

Tricon Global Restaurants Inc., a U.S.-based fast food giant, said that it has opened more than five hundred KFC chain stores in China.

And over 99 percent of KFC stores in China have made a handsomeprofit, according to J. Samuel Su, president of Tricon in China.

In fact, western fast food restaurants now control a considerable market share in China.

In addition to KFC, other leading western fast food companies including McDonald's and Pizza Hut have also won the favor of Chinese diners, especially young people.

The high standards in food preparation lie behind the great success of these western chains in China, experts here believe.

Additionally, the companies do in-depth market research to choose the best locations for their stores.

KFC, after careful investigating and researching, divided Beijing into 75 commercial divisions, opening at least one store in each to ensure that the eye-catching red-and-white KFC storefront is scattered throughout Beijing's commercial areas.

( People's Daily November 28, 2001)