Luckin Coffee(US:LKNCY) 3 6 Ke·2025-08-14 11:54Core Viewpoint - The restaurant industry in China is facing significant challenges in 2025, with declining revenue growth, shrinking profits, and intensified competition, primarily driven by rising costs in raw materials, rent, and labor [2][4][8]. Group 1: Industry Performance - In the first half of 2025, national restaurant revenue growth decreased by 3.6 percentage points year-on-year, while revenue growth for large-scale dining units fell by 2 percentage points [2]. - In Beijing, profits in the accommodation and catering industry dropped by 67% in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year [2]. - The China Cuisine Association noted a trend of slowing revenue growth, declining profits, and increased competition in the restaurant sector [2]. Group 2: Cost Pressures - The "three mountains" of pressure on restaurants include rising costs of raw materials, rent, and labor, which are affecting nearly all Chinese dining establishments [4][8]. - For example, at the restaurant chain Haidilao, employee costs, rent, and raw materials accounted for 71.9% of total revenue in 2024 [4]. - The rising labor costs are particularly notable, with average monthly wages exceeding 5,000 yuan and additional costs for employee accommodations and social security [3][4]. Group 3: Financial Performance of Key Players - Haidilao and other major restaurant chains have shown only slight revenue and profit increases, while many others report poor financial performance [5]. - For instance, the group "Xiabuxiabu" reported a revenue decline of 19.65% in 2024, with a net loss of 398 million yuan, more than doubling its previous year's losses [6]. - "Naixue" reported a revenue drop of 4.7% in 2024, with a net loss of 917 million yuan, continuing a trend of losses since its IPO [6][7]. Group 4: Strategies for Survival - To cope with rising costs, restaurants are focusing on cost control and efficiency optimization as survival strategies [8]. - Haidilao has implemented smart kitchen management systems and a full supply chain layout to reduce procurement costs and ensure food safety [10][11]. - New restaurant brands are increasingly adopting digitalization to enhance operational efficiency and cost management [14][19]. Group 5: Shift to Delivery and New Business Models - As the industry transitions from growth to a focus on existing market share, many restaurants are exploring online ordering and delivery services [15]. - Some brands are opening "satellite" or "quick pick-up" stores in lower-rent areas, primarily focusing on delivery to reduce costs and improve efficiency [15]. - For example, Haidilao's delivery revenue increased by 20.4% in 2024, while "Jiuma Jiu" reported a 15.8% growth in its delivery business [15]. Group 6: Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape of the delivery market has stabilized, with restaurants competing on product quality, supply chain efficiency, and digital capabilities [20]. - Brands like "Kua Fu" and "Ning Ji" are leveraging their established capabilities in product quality and digitalization to gain a competitive edge in the delivery market [19][20].