The American Restaurant Development Association marked its launch at United Nations Headquarters with a forum on technology, investment and international collaboration.
By: Felicia Guo
Restaurant entrepreneurs, business leaders and representatives from finance and international affairs gathered in New York on October 13, 2026, to explore how technology, investment and cross-border partnerships can support the restaurant industry’s next phase of growth.
Held at United Nations Headquarters, the founding celebration of the American Restaurant Development Association (ARDA) also featured its inaugural International Forum on Sustainable Development in the Restaurant Industry. The event brought together participants from across the United States and overseas to mark the launch of a New York–based organization focused on industry collaboration.
Guests included Edward F. Cox, chairman of the New York Republican State Committee; Ambassador Alexandru Cujba, former Permanent Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the United Nations; and Christopher D. Maher, chief executive officer of OceanFirst Bank.
Restaurant industry attendees included internationally acclaimed chef and Yan Can Cook host Martin Yan, Huang Ji Huang founder Geng Huang, Thomas Woo and Charlie Huang.
Building Connections Across the Industry
Established in New York in August 2026, ARDA seeks to connect restaurant brands, suppliers, investors, technology providers and professional service firms, helping businesses access expertise and resources beyond their existing networks.
In his address, ARDA Chairman Yang Hui outlined priorities including stronger operating standards, the practical application of artificial intelligence, supply chain integration and international brand development. He said the association would help restaurant businesses build technology and investment partnerships while supporting brands pursuing expansion across the United States and overseas.
Yang also emphasized the experience and relationships entrepreneurs develop through years of operating their businesses. He described the association as a platform for members to share that knowledge, support one another and create opportunities for long-term growth.
Four Perspectives on the Industry’s Future
The forum featured four panel discussions examining international expansion, supply chains, restaurant technology and financing.
“Global Expansion and Global Standing” brought together Geng Huang, Alex Ma, Lorraine Pang and Arthur Tang to discuss international brand development, overseas expansion and ways to strengthen restaurant businesses’ position in global markets.
“Integration and Upgrading of the Restaurant Supply Chain,” featuring Jason Liu, Wenling Dong, Jack Huang and Daisy Li, focused on supply chain coordination, operational efficiency and modernization.
“AI-Powered Dining & Smart Kitchens” featured Limin Wen, Stephanie Song and Garrett Yan. The discussion examined applications of artificial intelligence in restaurant operations and kitchen management, along with technology’s potential to shape future dining models.
“Capital and the Restaurant Industry,” with Yafu Guo, Warren Wang and Ronald Li, explored investment, financing and how access to capital can help restaurant businesses expand.
A Collective Launch
The celebration recognized the nine entrepreneurs who jointly founded the association: Yang Hui, Lin Jianzhong, Wang Guiyang, Chen Shipin, Yang Yingqin, Zheng Xu, Zheng Xing, Zhu Chunlei and Chen Kezhu. All nine joined a ceremonial handprint activation marking ARDA’s launch.
A ceremony also recognized honorary chairpersons Lin Jianzhong, Martin Yan, Thomas Woo, Geng Huang and Charlie Huang, along with honorary advisors, special advisors and professional committee leaders.
With New York as its base, ARDA plans to build a network serving restaurant businesses nationwide while developing international partnerships. Its next step is to translate those connections into practical support for members as they strengthen operations, adopt technology and enter new markets.
For more information, visit www.ardaus.org. Media inquiries: info@ardaus.org.
