Core Viewpoint - The restaurant industry is experiencing a recovery characterized by "overall pressure and internal differentiation," with significant variations in same-store performance and a shift from low-base recovery logic to genuine supply-side adjustments since 2025 [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The restaurant industry's revenue showed signs of pressure and differentiation in H1 2025, with fluctuations in year-on-year growth rates for social retail dining and above-limit dining since 2025, including negative growth in July for above-limit dining [1]. - The national restaurant industry prosperity index was 104.1 in June 2025, slightly down by 0.1% from May, indicating slight volatility despite strong demand in specific scenarios like graduation banquets and summer night markets [1][2]. - The performance of same-store sales varied significantly, with resilient performance in cost-effective categories like tea drinks and fast food, while high-ticket hot pot categories faced notable pressure [1][2]. Group 2: Company Strategies - Leading brands are focusing on cost reduction and efficiency improvement, adapting store types to local markets, and prioritizing profit over revenue growth [2][3]. - Companies with supply chain advantages or refined operational capabilities, such as Yum China and Gu Ming, are showing stable profitability, with some brands like Gu Ming achieving a net profit increase of 121.5% year-on-year [2]. Group 3: Expansion and Profitability - The profitability of individual stores is crucial for supporting expansion, with the logic of opening new stores being based on whether the combined profits of new and existing stores exceed previous profits [3]. - Successful examples include Xiao Cai Yuan, which achieved a net increase of 55 stores in H1 2025 with a profit margin of 23.8%, demonstrating a positive cycle of store expansion and profit growth [3]. Group 4: Investment Recommendations - The industry outlook remains positive for cost-effective dining segments, with a recommendation to focus on leading companies like Xiao Cai Yuan, which is expected to accelerate store openings and achieve positive same-store growth in the current market environment [4].