西贝事件背后的中国商业模式巨变

Core Viewpoint - The recent public relations crisis surrounding Xibei is not just an isolated incident but reflects a broader shift in consumer sentiment and the restaurant industry's challenges in maintaining value perception amidst rising transparency and competition [2][14]. Consumer Sentiment Shift - The "central kitchen + prepared dishes" model of Xibei has been in place for years, but the recent scrutiny is linked to changes in the economic cycle and consumer behavior [2]. - In the past, consumers were willing to pay a premium for brand value and identity, but now they are more price-sensitive and critical of the cost structures behind products [2][3]. - The anger from consumers represents a reckoning with the long-standing imbalance in perceived value versus actual cost [4]. Prepared Dishes Market Dynamics - The rapid rise of the B2C prepared dishes market has led consumers to gain a clearer understanding of the cost baseline for such products, with quality offerings available at lower prices [7]. - Xibei's dishes are now being compared to commercially available prepared dishes, leading to a perception shift where consumers feel they are paying for heating services and dining space rather than gourmet meals [8][9]. Value Perception and Transparency - The shift in consumer perception has transformed dissatisfaction from a vague feeling of being overcharged to a precise, data-supported sense of value extraction [11][13]. - In an era of information transparency, business models relying on information asymmetry face systemic challenges [12]. Broader Implications for the Industry - The crisis at Xibei serves as a warning for all companies that depend on brand premiums without solid value backing [14]. - In a time when consumer spending is scrutinized, sincerity and pricing that aligns with genuine value are essential for business survival [15].