多地暂停加盟、关店数上升，“潮汕排队王”退守广东？

Core Insights - The Chinese fried chicken brand "Tiger Head Fried" has paused its franchise expansion in several regions, indicating a shift in strategy to focus on its home market in Guangdong [1][2][9] - The brand has experienced rapid growth, increasing its store count from over 50 in mid-2023 to over 260 by the end of the year, but is also facing challenges with store closures [1][3][12] - The overall market for Chinese fried chicken has seen significant growth, with a net increase of over 2,000 stores nationwide in 2024, but competition and operational challenges are intensifying [13] Company Strategy - Tiger Head Fried announced a pause on franchise applications in regions such as Northeast China and other provinces, citing difficulties in providing consistent management support across multiple markets [2][9] - The company aims to concentrate its resources on regional markets to ensure better operational efficiency and brand empowerment [2][9] Financial and Operational Performance - Tiger Head Fried received several million yuan in angel funding in September 2023, which was intended for supply chain development and store expansion [3] - Despite rapid expansion, the brand has also seen a rise in store closures, with over 40 closures reported in the first half of 2024 alone [3][12] - The brand's operational challenges are reflected in the fact that many closed stores had been open for less than a year, indicating potential issues with market fit and sustainability [8][9] Market Trends - The Chinese fried chicken segment has gained popularity, with several brands receiving funding and attempting to expand rapidly, although some are struggling to meet their growth targets [12][13] - Competition within the sector is increasing, leading to a focus on unique product offerings and operational improvements among leading brands [13]