云海肴赵晗，永远跳舞的人

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the life and entrepreneurial journey of Zhao Han, the founder of Yunhaiyao, a chain restaurant specializing in Yunnan cuisine, highlighting his dedication and the challenges faced by the brand after his sudden passing at the age of 40 [6][10]. Company Overview - Yunhaiyao was founded in 2009 by Zhao Han and his friend Zhu Haiqin in Beijing, and as of July 2025, it operates 143 stores in 29 cities in China and 5 stores in Singapore, making it a representative brand for the chainization of Yunnan cuisine [6][10]. - The name "Yunhaiyao" reflects its focus on Yunnan cuisine, with "Yun" representing Yunnan, "Hai" referring to the location of the first restaurant, and "Yao" meaning delicacies [8]. Entrepreneurial Journey - Zhao Han's passion for Yunnan cuisine began during his university years, leading him to open the first restaurant despite initial skepticism from peers [7][9]. - The first restaurant faced significant challenges, including low customer traffic and daily losses of 5,000 to 6,000 yuan, prompting the team to open a second location in a shopping center [9][10]. - The brand's growth was fueled by aligning with consumer trends and the expansion of shopping malls, allowing Yunhaiyao to become a well-known name in the restaurant industry [9][10]. Financial Growth and Challenges - After receiving investment from Sequoia Capital and Juhua Capital in 2014, Yunhaiyao expanded rapidly, surpassing 100 stores by 2019 [10]. - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted sales, but the brand managed to support its employees during the crisis, which garnered positive public sentiment [10][11]. - As of July 2025, the growth rate of new stores has slowed compared to previous years, and the company faces challenges such as brand aging and supply chain risks [10][11]. Food Safety Issues - Yunhaiyao has encountered food safety problems, including a significant incident in Singapore where over 100 employees of ByteDance suffered food poisoning due to contaminated dishes, affecting the brand's international reputation [11]. - The rise of new dining concepts, such as refined Yunnan cuisine represented by brands like Yungui Bistro, poses additional competition for Yunhaiyao [11]. Legacy of Zhao Han - Zhao Han is remembered as a dedicated and innovative entrepreneur who significantly contributed to popularizing Yunnan cuisine across China [12][13]. - His approach to business was characterized by a willingness to take risks and challenge conventional norms, which has left a lasting impact on the industry [12].