西贝若死，没人是赢家

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent controversies surrounding the restaurant chain Xibei, emphasizing that despite rumors of widespread store closures, the company is not on the verge of collapse and continues to expand its operations [5][9][15]. Group 1: Company Operations - Xibei has closed nearly 10 stores recently, which is a normal part of operational adjustments for a large chain with around 400 locations [6]. - The company has opened two new stores during the recent public scrutiny and plans to open eight more in cities like Shenzhen, Nanjing, Beijing, Changsha, and Xi'an by the end of the year [6][12]. - Xibei has received over 640 million child visitors in 2023, with its children's meals selling 40 million portions, indicating a strong family-oriented customer base [12]. Group 2: Public Perception and Response - The article highlights the negative public sentiment fueled by social media, where many users have jumped to conclusions about Xibei's stability without understanding the full context [5][10]. - Xibei has been proactive in addressing customer concerns by upgrading services, adjusting menu items, and optimizing prices, which has led to positive feedback from customers [12][14]. - The company has maintained a clean and safe dining environment, with no significant food safety risks found during inspections despite numerous reports [13]. Group 3: Industry Context - The restaurant industry in China is shifting from "incremental competition" to "efficiency competition," with larger chains like Xibei benefiting from economies of scale [15][16]. - The Chinese Culinary Association predicts that the chain restaurant rate will increase from 24% to 30% over the next three years, highlighting the growing importance of standardized operations in the industry [15]. - Xibei, along with other major chains, plays a crucial role in the Chinese restaurant sector, competing against international brands like KFC and McDonald's by establishing a robust domestic dining system [16].