Core Points - The sudden passing of Zhao Han, co-founder of Yunhaiyao, at the age of 40 due to a heart attack has left the industry in shock and mourning [3][4][14] - Yunhaiyao, founded in 2014, has grown into a leading chain restaurant brand specializing in Yunnan cuisine, with 138 stores and annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan [5][16] Company Overview - Yunhaiyao was established in 2014 and has become a prominent player in the Chinese dining market, known for its healthy and affordable Yunnan dishes [5][16] - The brand has expanded to 138 direct-operated stores across 29 cities, primarily located in major shopping centers [16] - Signature dishes include classic Yunnan specialties such as "Qiguo Chicken" and "Stir-fried Matsutake" [16] Leadership Transition - Following Zhao Han's death, Zhu Haiqin has taken over as the new chairman and CEO of Yunhaiyao, indicating a shift in leadership [9] - Zhao Han had been the legal representative of the company from April 2014 until December 2024, when the board was restructured [9] Financial Performance - Yunhaiyao has achieved significant financial milestones, with annual sales surpassing 1 billion yuan and a rapid expansion strategy that began in 2013 [15][16] - The company has received early-stage investments from notable firms such as Sequoia Capital and Julei Capital, although specific funding amounts have not been disclosed [16] Challenges and Controversies - The company faced a food safety scandal in 2024 when a mass food poisoning incident occurred in Singapore, leading to legal repercussions and a fine [18][20] - There have been multiple complaints regarding food safety, highlighting ongoing management challenges within the company [20][22] Industry Context - Zhao Han's unexpected death has raised awareness about health issues among entrepreneurs, with statistics indicating a concerning trend in cardiovascular diseases among business leaders in China [22]