北上广深，沦为餐饮创业“地狱”

Core Viewpoint - The restaurant industry in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen is facing severe challenges, leading to a significant number of closures and a shift in the entrepreneurial landscape [3][10][21]. Group 1: Industry Challenges - The restaurant sector is experiencing intensified competition and a rapid increase in business failures, with approximately 40,000 restaurants disappearing from major cities in the first half of the year [8][10]. - In Beijing, restaurant revenue from January to May 2025 was 55.62 billion yuan, a year-on-year decline of 3.7% [9]. - Shanghai's restaurant consumption for the same period was 83.59 billion yuan, also down by 2.5% [9]. Group 2: Cost Pressures - High operational costs, including rent, labor, and ingredients, are major barriers for restaurant entrepreneurs in first-tier cities [12][15]. - For instance, in Shanghai, monthly rent for a small shop in a busy area can exceed 50,000 yuan, with some locations demanding up to 110,000 yuan for a 200-square-meter space [12][14]. - Labor costs are also significantly higher in first-tier cities, with salaries starting at around 5,000 yuan per month for service staff, plus additional expenses for social security and accommodation [14]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Behavior - Consumer spending in first-tier cities is declining, with many individuals reducing their dining frequency and expenditure due to rising living costs [16][18]. - Data indicates that the number of customers visiting restaurants has decreased by 20-30% compared to the previous year [18]. - Population outflow from cities like Beijing and Shanghai, with nearly 100,000 residents leaving in 2024, further exacerbates the decline in consumer spending [18]. Group 4: Market Saturation - The saturation of the restaurant market in first-tier cities is evident, with a high density of dining establishments leading to fierce competition [19]. - As of the end of 2024, the number of shopping centers in China surpassed 6,500, with first-tier cities having a density of 4.2 centers per million people, significantly above the international warning line of 2.5 [19]. Group 5: Adaptation Strategies - Some restaurant owners are exploring new business models, such as co-renting spaces to share costs or relocating to areas with lower rent [23]. - Adjustments in menu offerings and operational efficiency are being implemented to reduce costs, with some establishments successfully lowering their monthly labor costs and food waste [25].