Affordable Steakhouse Chain Expands Across Chinese Cities

If you’ve ever walked past a trendy city center cafe — filled with students sipping lattes and office workers meeting over flat whites — and thought, “Sure, but where’s the cheap steak?” you’re not alone. Many urban consumers, especially students and young professionals, want quality meals without premium price tags. Enter a new player in China’s casual dining scene: a steakhouse brand that serves quality beef at student-friendly prices.

Kaka and King, the budget steakhouse arm of leading Chinese coffee and restaurant chain Cross-Strait Coffee, is rolling out across multiple cities including Chengdu, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai. Its signature offering? Premium steaks priced at just 40–50 RMB (approximately $6–$7 USD) per portion, specifically targeting students, young white-collar workers, and middle-income families.

A New Brand for a Broader Market

Cross-Strait Coffee, recognized as China’s largest coffee and Western-style restaurant chain, has long catered to a more upscale, business-oriented clientele. But with the launch of Kaka and King, the company is making a strategic pivot toward mass-market affordability. The move reflects a clear effort to capture a wider demographic beyond its traditional customer base.

Multi-Brand Strategy in Action

Kaka and King is not an isolated project. Since last year, Cross-Strait Coffee has actively pursued a multi-brand expansion strategy. Alongside Kaka and King, the company has already introduced other casual dining concepts such as Ben Don Teppanyaki (Bēn Dòng Tiěbǎn Shāo, or ) and Thai City Thai Cuisine (Tài Chéng Tài Yǔ Cài, or ). According to Jin Meiying, President of Zhejiang Cross-Strait Food Chain Co., Ltd., the brand plans to launch two new sub-brands every year. This approach allows the company to serve diverse consumer needs — from budget-conscious families and students to those seeking fine dining experiences.

Why Affordable Steaks Matter

The introduction of a 40–50 RMB steak is significant in the Chinese market, where quality beef often comes with a hefty price tag. By focusing on this price point, Kaka and King directly addresses a gap in the market for accessible, satisfying meals. The brand’s target demographics — students, young professionals, and general wage-earning households — are areas often underserved by traditional steakhouses, which tend to skew premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaka and King?

Kaka and King is an affordable steakhouse brand launched by Cross-Strait Coffee, a major Chinese coffee and Western restaurant chain. It offers budget-friendly steaks priced around 40–50 RMB (about $6–$7 USD) and targets students, young professionals, and middle-income families.

Which cities have Kaka and King locations?

As of the latest reports, Kaka and King has opened outlets in Chengdu, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Shanghai, with plans for further expansion.

How much does a steak cost at Kaka and King?

Kaka and King’s signature steaks are priced between 40 and 50 RMB each, roughly equivalent to $6 to $7 USD, positioning them as an affordable option in the steakhouse segment.

Is Kaka and King part of Cross-Strait Coffee?

Yes, Kaka and King is a subsidiary brand under Cross-Strait Coffee, which is China’s largest coffee and Western-style restaurant chain. Cross-Strait Coffee developed Kaka and King as part of its multi-brand expansion.

What other brands does Cross-Strait Coffee operate?

In addition to Kaka and King, Cross-Strait Coffee has also launched Ben Don Teppanyaki and Thai City Thai Cuisine. The company plans to introduce two new sub-brands annually to cover different market segments.

Who is the target customer for Kaka and King?

Kaka and King aims to serve students, young white-collar workers, and general wage-earning families — demographic groups typically looking for quality food at accessible price points.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Steakhouse Pairings

For pairing with budget steaks like those at Kaka and King, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui — bright with citrus and floral tones, lifting rich meat flavors. Their PWN Golden Mandheling offers deep chocolate and spice notes, balancing well with savory dishes. For something fruitier, the Yirgacheffe brings juicy berry brightness. All are freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.