“7岁的毛毛”引争议，西贝为什么又做错了

Core Viewpoint - Xibei is facing public backlash due to a controversial self-promotional article that was perceived as overly sentimental and out of touch with consumer sentiment amid ongoing criticism regarding food quality and pricing [6][7]. Group 1: Article Content - The article titled "7-year-old Maomao: I thought I would never eat Xibei again" was published on Xibei's official WeChat account, depicting a child's emotional attachment to the restaurant amidst negative online discussions [1][2]. - The narrative describes how Maomao's mother suggested avoiding Xibei due to recent controversies, but Maomao insisted on going, highlighting a long-standing relationship with the brand since he was two years old [5][6]. Group 2: Public Relations Response - The article's emotional appeal was criticized as outdated and likely to provoke consumer backlash, especially given the current scrutiny of Xibei's food quality and value [6][7]. - It was noted that the article may not have been intended for public consumption, as it was meant for internal morale-boosting among employees, but its visibility led to misinterpretations [6][7]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - The company should focus on understanding consumer perceptions of "pre-made dishes" and engage in more transparent communication rather than relying on emotional narratives [7]. - Emphasizing product quality and service improvements is essential for regaining consumer trust, rather than attempting to counter criticism with sentimental stories [7].