从周杰伦代言到破产跑路：东莞轻食品牌“沙拉食刻”走向式微

Core Viewpoint - The company "Salad Time" has faced significant backlash from consumers and franchisees due to operational failures, including the disappearance of vending machines and unfulfilled service commitments, leading to bankruptcy proceedings for its main operating entity [2][31]. Group 1: Company Operations and Financial Status - "Salad Time" has seen its smart vending machines largely out of service, with many locations reported as permanently closed or not restocked, leading to consumer complaints about unrefunded balances and lack of customer service [5][26]. - The company has applied for bankruptcy, with its main operating entity, Salad Time (Guangdong) Food Technology Co., Ltd., entering judicial proceedings, while its founder faces legal issues related to debt [31][32]. - Despite the bankruptcy of "Salad Time," its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Chuyi Times Food Technology Co., Ltd., has opened multiple new stores, raising questions about asset concealment and potential legal ramifications [2][33]. Group 2: Business Model and Expansion - Founded in 2020, "Salad Time" aimed to disrupt the food service industry with AI vending machines offering a variety of meals at competitive prices, primarily targeting office environments [18][20]. - The company received significant investment, including a 100 million yuan A-round funding and a partnership with celebrity Jay Chou for brand promotion, which initially fueled rapid expansion [20][23]. - However, the aggressive expansion strategy led to operational inefficiencies, with franchisees reporting delayed revenue sharing and misjudged market demand, contributing to financial strain [24][26]. Group 3: Legal and Consumer Issues - Franchisees and employees have reported severe delays in salary payments and revenue sharing, with some employees claiming unpaid wages for up to nine months [27][29]. - Legal actions have been initiated by franchisees against the company for unfulfilled financial obligations, with ongoing court cases highlighting the extent of the financial distress [30][31]. - The company's failure to meet its commitments has resulted in widespread consumer dissatisfaction, with many expressing frustration over lost investments and unreturned funds [2][5].