贾国龙决定同归于尽

Core Viewpoint - The founder of Xibei, Jia Guolong, announced the closure of 102 stores, representing one-third of its locations and affecting 4,000 employees, amid a crisis that has led to losses exceeding 500 million yuan [1][37][60]. Group 1: Business Challenges - Xibei has not achieved profitability in any of its stores since the onset of the public relations crisis [1][37]. - The company has issued 300 million yuan in consumer vouchers, resulting in a 20% reduction in average transaction value, yet customer traffic remains down by 50% year-on-year [59][60]. - The crisis originated from a social media post by Luo Yonghao, which criticized Xibei's use of pre-made dishes, escalating into a significant public relations battle [5][41]. Group 2: Founder’s Background and Philosophy - Jia Guolong, who dropped out of college due to health issues, demonstrated early entrepreneurial skills by starting various businesses before founding Xibei in 1999 [7][47]. - He believes in high-quality ingredients and has built a reputation for Xibei based on this principle, leading to a successful two-decade run [12][47]. - Jia's management style is characterized by a demanding work culture, which he equates with the joy of striving for excellence [12][48]. Group 3: Strategic Missteps - Jia's reaction to criticism was defensive, leading to a series of miscalculations, including a decision to sue rather than engage constructively with consumer feedback [20][55]. - He has acknowledged tactical errors, such as not handling the situation with humor and exposing kitchen practices that revealed pre-made elements [18][53]. - The company's attempts to pivot towards fast food have largely failed, with multiple new concepts introduced but none achieving success [16][52]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The closure of 102 stores signifies not just a physical retreat but also the collapse of Jia's ambition for Xibei to become a company valued at over 100 billion yuan [68][66]. - Jia has expressed a commitment to continue fighting for the company's survival, reflecting a determination to adapt despite the challenges faced [69][71]. - The changing consumer landscape, which now prioritizes value over brand education, poses a significant challenge for Xibei moving forward [28][61].