As the Olympic torch makes its way to Beijing, some American fast food companies are following the flame in a bid to capitalize on both the growing Chinese consumer market and the coming influx of tourist dollars.
Chains big and small are either opening new locations, trying out new concepts or expanding into China for the first time before the Beijing Olympics begin August 8.
McDonald's Corp., for example, is opening four new official Olympics locations in Beijing. The No. 1 hamburger chain is a sponsor of the games.
Yum Brands Inc., which operates both KFC and Pizza Hut in China, is opening the first two Beijing locations of its new East Dawning concept to coincide with the Olympics. The company already has a huge presence in China, with KFC now one of the most popular fast food chains in the country. But its East Dawning chain, which focuses on Chinese fast food, is newer and smaller, with just 12 locations all in Shanghai
