Reportedly, WhaleInside Dark Restaurant (WhaleInside) will sign a formal agreement with Hong Kong-headquartered ZII on March 16. The latter will inject HK$10M into the former.

Based on the agreement, the investment proceeds will be used to launch about 20 direct sale stores and franchise stores in mainland China, and to update chain store operation system and upgrade brand management.

Over one year, WhaleInside has established chain brand basic operation frame and formed a competition edge hard for competitors to copy. In 2007, the restaurant generated over-expected RMB10M revenue. WhaleInside will expand its brand in 2008 after it received its first-round funding from ZII. Mr. Long Chen, Board Chairman of WhaleInside, said the initial investment will help the restaurant expand its business to 30 outlets within 2008.