商业头条No.92 | 西贝惊魂120小时

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant external crisis faced by the restaurant chain Xibei, triggered by public criticism from internet entrepreneur Luo Yonghao regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes, leading to a public relations disaster for the brand [5][11][28]. Group 1: Company Response and Crisis Management - Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong, held a large meeting with 18,000 employees to boost morale amidst the crisis, emphasizing the importance of confidence in the brand [1][11]. - Jia Guolong provided a 500 yuan subsidy to frontline employees to alleviate their concerns about the impact of the crisis on their livelihoods [1][11]. - Following Luo's accusations, Jia Guolong publicly declared intentions to sue Luo and opened Xibei's kitchens for media and consumer inspection to demonstrate transparency [8][12][15]. Group 2: Public Reaction and Social Media Impact - Luo Yonghao leveraged his significant social media following to amplify his criticism of Xibei, leading to widespread public scrutiny and media attention [6][12]. - The public's reaction intensified as videos of Xibei's kitchen practices surfaced, revealing the use of long-shelf-life ingredients, which contradicted the brand's claims of freshness [12][13][14]. - Luo's live streams dissecting Xibei's operations further fueled public outrage, with many consumers expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived quality and pricing of Xibei's offerings [15][39]. Group 3: Financial Implications and Business Performance - Xibei experienced a significant drop in daily revenue, estimating losses of 1 million yuan prior to the crisis and potentially 2 to 3 million yuan on the peak day of public scrutiny [26][28]. - The brand's average profit margin was reported to be below 5%, with high costs attributed to raw materials and labor [39]. - Despite the crisis, Jia Guolong maintained that Xibei's pricing was justified, labeling public perceptions of high costs as a misunderstanding [39][41]. Group 4: Industry Context and Future Outlook - The restaurant industry is still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, and Xibei's struggles reflect broader challenges within the sector [11][28]. - Jia Guolong's approach to standardization in food preparation has been both a point of innovation and contention, as the industry grapples with consumer expectations for transparency and quality [20][24]. - The ongoing crisis may prompt Xibei to reevaluate its operational strategies and public relations tactics to better align with consumer sentiments and industry standards [31][38].