百元餐饮品牌的悲歌

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by mid-range dining chains in China, particularly focusing on Yunhaiyao and Xibei, highlighting their struggles in a changing economic environment and consumer expectations [5][6][17]. Group 1: Company Challenges - Yunhaiyao's founder passed away unexpectedly, and the company has recently closed some locations, indicating a decline in business [5]. - Xibei has also faced significant public relations issues, leading to decreased customer traffic despite remaining open [5][9]. - Both companies have been criticized for their handling of food safety and customer service, which has contributed to their current struggles [5][9]. Group 2: Economic Context - The dining industry in Beijing is projected to see a revenue decline of 4.9% in 2024, with significant drops in profitability, as evidenced by a reported 88.8% decrease in profits for large-scale dining establishments [9][10]. - The average profit margin for dining companies has plummeted to 0.37%, with many businesses operating at a loss [9][10]. Group 3: Standardization and Central Kitchen - The push for standardization in Chinese dining has led to the adoption of central kitchens, which aim to reduce costs and maintain consistency across locations [10][11]. - While central kitchens can improve efficiency, they may also compromise the quality and uniqueness of dishes, leading to customer dissatisfaction [10][11]. - The reliance on pre-prepared meals has created a dilemma for dining brands, as consumers increasingly seek fresh, made-to-order options [11][12]. Group 4: Consumer Expectations - Consumers are becoming more discerning, expecting higher value for their spending, which has made it difficult for mid-range dining brands to meet these demands [13][14]. - The article notes that the perception of value has shifted, with customers feeling that the same amount of money now buys less in terms of dining experience [13][14]. Group 5: Future Outlook - There are discussions about the potential for these brands to expand internationally, but past experiences, such as Yunhaiyao's issues in Singapore, suggest that the challenges may outweigh the benefits [16][17]. - The article concludes that many mid-range dining brands are caught in a negative cycle of declining customer satisfaction and revenue, making it difficult to sustain growth [15][18].