Core Insights - The restaurant industry is witnessing a resurgence of "sub-brands" as major players like Haidilao, Yum China, and others launch new concepts to capture market share and cater to specific consumer needs [1][2] Group 1: Sub-brand Launches - Major restaurant brands are intensifying their focus on sub-brands, with Haidilao introducing a lively hot pot concept, Yum China launching two new independent sub-brands, and others like Jiumaojiu and Maliuji also expanding their offerings [1] - The recent trend shows a shift from blindly expanding product categories to targeting specific customer segments and dining scenarios [1][2] Group 2: Strategic Focus and Upgrades - Brands are prioritizing quality and price-performance ratio, as seen with Xiabuxiabu's new self-service hot pot, which offers competitive pricing while aiming to differentiate from its main brand [3] - Jiumaojiu is narrowing its sub-brand strategy, focusing on upgrading its flagship brand Tai Er, which is evolving into a more diverse dining experience [3] Group 3: Cost Structure and Operational Efficiency - Major brands are adopting a "light asset" model for sub-brands, reducing operational costs and risks by leveraging existing resources [13][14] - KCOFFEE exemplifies this model by utilizing KFC's infrastructure for rapid expansion, while Pizza Hut's new sub-brand also follows a similar cost-saving strategy [14][16] Group 4: Market Penetration Strategies - The industry is increasingly targeting lower-tier cities and international markets, with brands like Haidilao and Jiumaojiu making strategic moves to penetrate these areas [23][25] - Haidilao's acquisition of "Jugaogao" aims to meet the demand for affordable dining in lower-tier cities, while Jiumaojiu's acquisition of BigWayHotPot facilitates its entry into the North American market [25]