贾国龙，好糊涂

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the absurdity and complexity of the public relations crisis faced by Xibei, highlighting the impact of social media and consumer expectations on business operations and reputation management [2][10][36]. Group 1: Timeline of Events - The controversy began on September 10, 2025, when Luo Yonghao criticized Xibei on Weibo for using pre-prepared dishes, leading to a series of escalating responses from Xibei's founder, Jia Guolong [12][14]. - Over the course of 125 days, Xibei underwent a complete public relations cycle, including denial, legal threats, media investigations, and ultimately, an apology and menu adjustments [4][10]. - By January 2026, Xibei closed 102 stores, accounting for approximately 30% of its total locations, affecting around 4,000 employees [5][7]. Group 2: Consumer Expectations and Trust - Consumers were primarily concerned with the value they received for the price paid, expecting fresh and made-to-order meals, which contrasted sharply with the discovery of frozen and pre-prepared ingredients [24][30]. - The initial response from Xibei focused on defending its practices rather than addressing consumer emotions, leading to a disconnect between the company's narrative and consumer expectations [26][36]. - The crisis highlighted a significant gap in communication, where Xibei's explanations about food preparation did not resonate with consumer concerns about trust and value [20][26]. Group 3: Leadership and Decision-Making - Jia Guolong's centralized decision-making style, while effective during rapid expansion, became a liability in managing public relations, leading to inconsistent messaging and reactive rather than strategic responses [31][35]. - The article suggests that the traditional authoritative approach of Jia Guolong is less effective in today's environment, where transparency and consumer engagement are paramount [36][37]. - The ongoing conflict with Luo Yonghao serves as a reflection of broader challenges faced by older entrepreneurs in adapting to new consumer expectations and communication dynamics [36].