县城富豪，把海底捞炒成了理财产品

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the cautious approach of Haidilao in opening its franchise model, emphasizing the stringent requirements for potential franchisees and the strategic aim to penetrate lower-tier markets in China [4][5][19]. Summary by Sections Franchise Application Process - Haidilao received over 20,000 franchise applications since announcing its franchise model in March 2024, but less than 0.1% of applicants successfully became franchisees [4][5]. - The franchise requirements include a minimum investment of 10 million RMB (approximately 1.4 million USD) and a strong financial foundation for multi-store development [4][5]. - The selection process involves multiple rounds of assessments to ensure alignment with Haidilao's corporate culture and long-term vision [4][8][17]. Target Market and Strategy - The majority (70%) of franchise applicants are from third-tier cities and below, indicating Haidilao's focus on expanding into lower-tier markets [5][19]. - The company aims to leverage franchise partnerships to tap into the significant consumer potential in these markets, where traditional expansion methods may be limited [19][22]. - Haidilao's revenue from third-tier cities has surpassed 40%, with performance in these areas exceeding that of first-tier cities [19][22]. Franchisee Profile - Applicants come from diverse backgrounds, including professional franchisees, property owners, industry transitioners, and institutional investors [11][12]. - The franchise model is seen as a tailored investment opportunity for affluent individuals in lower-tier cities, with a focus on long-term returns rather than quick profits [5][32][33]. Operational Control and Management - Haidilao employs a "strong management" model for franchise operations, meaning franchisees have limited control over daily operations, which are managed by Haidilao's experienced staff [27][30]. - This model aims to maintain brand consistency and quality across all locations, ensuring that franchisees can benefit from the established operational framework [30][31]. Market Dynamics - The article highlights the competitive landscape in lower-tier markets, where quality locations and capable franchisees are scarce [22][24]. - Haidilao's strategy of opening franchises is positioned as a means to gain a competitive edge in these markets, where traditional expansion methods may not suffice [26][30].