云海肴赵晗，永远跳舞的人

Core Viewpoint - The sudden passing of Zhao Han, the founder of Yunhaiyao, highlights the challenges and achievements of the brand, which has become a representative of chain Yunnan cuisine in China, with 143 stores in 29 cities by July 2025 [3][10]. Company Background - Yunhaiyao was founded in 2009 by Zhao Han and Zhu Haiqin in Beijing, aiming to bring Yunnan cuisine outside of Yunnan [5][6]. - The name "Yunhaiyao" reflects its roots, with "Yun" representing Yunnan cuisine, "Hai" referring to the location (Houhai), and "Yao" meaning delicacies [6]. Growth and Expansion - The brand initially struggled with low customer traffic and significant losses, averaging 5,000 to 6,000 yuan per day during its early days [7]. - Despite early setbacks, the founders remained committed to their vision, leading to the opening of a second store in a shopping center, which aligned with the trend of consumer upgrades and the rise of local cuisine [8][9]. - By 2019, Yunhaiyao had expanded to over 100 stores in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, following a successful investment round in 2014 [9]. Challenges Faced - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted sales, but the brand managed to support its employees during the closure by collaborating with Hema [10]. - As of July 2025, Yunhaiyao's growth has slowed, with only 143 stores compared to over 100 in 2019, facing issues like brand aging and supply chain risks [10]. - The brand has encountered food safety issues, including a significant incident in 2024 that affected its international operations [11]. Industry Context - Unlike hot pot and Sichuan cuisine, Yunnan cuisine faces challenges in standardization and large-scale chain operations due to ingredient supply and preparation complexities [11]. - New trends in the restaurant industry, such as the rise of refined Yunnan cuisine represented by brands like Yun Gui Bistro, are emerging, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [11].