被曝跑路，老板遭“悬赏”！周杰伦曾代言，一现象级品牌申请破产

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][11][16]. 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 non-operational, resulting in consumer complaints about unrefunded stored value balances [3][4][11]. - The company has applied for bankruptcy, with its main operating entity, Salad Time (Guangdong) Food Technology Co., Ltd., entering judicial proceedings, while its wholly-owned subsidiary, Shenzhen Chuyi Times Food Technology Co., Ltd., continues to open new stores [2][16]. - The rapid expansion and operational mismanagement have led to a cash flow crisis, with significant investments in marketing and infrastructure failing to yield timely returns [11][12]. Group 2: Franchisee and Employee Issues - Franchisees have reported severe delays in revenue sharing and refunds, with some taking legal action due to unfulfilled financial commitments from the company [12][14]. - Employees have also faced delayed salary payments, with some reporting unpaid wages for up to nine months, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for accountability [12][14][16]. - The company's promises to resolve these financial issues have not materialized, further exacerbating the operational crisis and damaging its reputation [16][19]. Group 3: Market Position and Future Prospects - "Salad Time" was initially positioned as a high-value brand in the light meal sector, leveraging AI vending machines to serve urban professionals, but its market strategy has faltered due to poor demand forecasting and ineffective site placements [9][11]. - Despite previous successes, including significant funding and celebrity endorsements, the brand's operational model has proven unsustainable, leading to its current predicament [10][11].