Core Insights - The article highlights the successful transformation of two traditional snack shops, Lao Lukou and Jiang E'er, through innovative marketing strategies on Douyin, showcasing how they adapted to modern consumer preferences and enhanced their business performance [1][43]. Group 1: Business Transformation - Lao Lukou started as a small roadside stall run by a couple, gradually evolving into a brand with multiple outlets and a factory, driven by a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction [2][20]. - Jiang E'er, with a heritage dating back to 1910, faced challenges in maintaining its brand identity and operational efficiency but successfully revitalized its business by leveraging its non-material cultural heritage status and engaging storytelling [21][42]. Group 2: Marketing Strategies - Both shops utilized Douyin's platform to reach a broader audience, with Lao Lukou's sales increasing significantly after engaging with influencers and creating appealing content [9][20]. - Jiang E'er capitalized on its historical significance and unique recipes, using live streaming and short videos to connect with customers and enhance brand loyalty [29][42]. Group 3: Customer Engagement - Lao Lukou's owner emphasized the importance of personal engagement in live broadcasts, which significantly boosted sales and customer interaction [13][20]. - Jiang E'er's strategy included sharing the story behind its dishes and the cultural significance of its offerings, fostering a deeper connection with local customers [33][42]. Group 4: Industry Implications - The success stories of these two shops illustrate a broader trend where traditional businesses can thrive by embracing digital platforms and innovative marketing techniques, providing a roadmap for other small and medium enterprises [43][44].

Core Insights - The cloud and Guizhou cuisine has gained significant popularity, with the number of related restaurants exceeding 42,000 by mid-2025, and a continuous rise in chain rate driving growth [1][3] - The market size for Chinese cuisine in the cloud and Guizhou category is projected to grow from 31.8 billion yuan in 2023 to 36 billion yuan in 2025, with year-on-year growth rates of 6.9% and 5.9% for 2024 and 2025, respectively, both surpassing the overall growth rate of Chinese cuisine [1] Restaurant Growth and Trends - The cloud and Guizhou cuisine sector is experiencing a surge in new brands, particularly in the hot pot category, with brands like 滇翁 and 芸山季 showing strong growth [3][6] - The presence of cloud and Guizhou cuisine on platforms like Douyin (TikTok) has significantly boosted visibility, with topics related to Yunnan and Guizhou cuisine surpassing 10 billion views [3][4] Consumer Engagement and Marketing - Douyin's short video and live streaming features have become crucial for restaurant marketing, with over 220,000 live sessions held in a year, leading to double-digit growth in daily order volumes [5][10] - The trend of "酸汤" (sour soup) has emerged as a key differentiator, with various dishes gaining immense popularity on Douyin, such as "酸汤鱼" with 4.48 billion views [7][10] Dining Experience and Social Media Influence - The concept of "漂亮饭" (beautiful food) is gaining traction, with over 1.73 billion views on Douyin, as consumers seek aesthetically pleasing dining experiences [11] - Cloud and Guizhou Bistro restaurants are blending ethnic elements with a relaxed atmosphere, enhancing the overall dining experience and social media appeal [12][13] Regional Market Dynamics - The cloud and Guizhou cuisine is expanding nationally, with a K-shaped development trend where first-tier cities focus on refinement while third and fourth-tier cities emphasize affordability and local flavors [16][18] - The marketing strategies differ by region, with first-tier cities requiring a more sophisticated approach to attract business clientele, while third and fourth-tier cities leverage local community engagement [18][19] Future Outlook - The integration of Douyin's platform with cloud and Guizhou cuisine is expected to continue driving growth, as restaurants adapt to online marketing trends and consumer preferences [21]