太突然！“重庆火锅排队王”多门店闭店

Core Viewpoint - The recent closure of all "Zhu Guangyu Hotpot" stores in Changsha has sparked discussions online, with speculation about the owner's potential disappearance and concerns from customers regarding prepaid cards [3][4]. Company Overview - "Zhu Guangyu Hotpot" is a well-known hotpot brand, often referred to as the "King of Queues" in Chongqing hotpot, with over 200 locations nationwide [3][4]. - The brand is managed by Chongqing Zhu Guangyu Catering Management Co., established in June 2020, with a registered capital of 500,000 RMB [5]. Business Operations - All stores in Hunan province, except for those in Chenzhou, are currently closed due to issues with the franchisee, and the company is taking over operations [4][6]. - The brand has successfully integrated high-quality tea drinks and desserts into its menu, with popular items like "Tiger Skin Chicken Feet" and "Smash Lemon Tea" [6]. Market Position and Expansion - Zhu Guangyu Hotpot has rapidly expanded, opening over 200 stores across 31 provinces, with nearly 50% of its locations in second and third-tier cities [6]. - The brand's innovative approach focuses on internet operations rather than traditional restaurant logic, emphasizing market trends and consumer preferences [6]. Industry Context - The hotpot industry has seen over 170,000 new openings in the past year, but a net decrease of 19,000 stores, indicating a challenging competitive landscape [6][10]. - High-end hotpot, low-quality small hotpot in lower-tier cities, and inexperienced restaurant operators are identified as the most affected segments in the industry [10]. Strategic Recommendations - Companies in the hotpot sector should consider optimizing product offerings, enhancing online operations, managing costs through the closure of underperforming stores, and innovating menu items to improve customer experience and competitiveness [10].