Core Insights - The decline of the brand "Shangshangqian" reflects a broader trend of diminishing popularity for celebrity and internet-famous restaurants, highlighting that reliance on celebrity influence is insufficient for long-term success [2][8] - The restaurant industry has seen a significant increase in customer acquisition costs, rising by 320% since 2020, while new customer conversion rates have dropped below 15%, indicating a challenging market environment [8][10] Company Overview - "Shangshangqian" once operated 8 direct stores and 20 franchise stores in major cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou, but now only one store remains operational in Shanghai after the closure of its Guangzhou location [2] - The brand was co-founded by celebrity Xue Zhi Qian in 2012, who later exited the company in 2019, leading to changes in ownership and management [4][6] - The current actual controllers of "Honghe Catering," the associated company of "Shangshangqian," are Tang Yanhang and Li Yuanlin, holding 60% and 40% of the shares respectively [4] Industry Trends - The report from RET Research indicates that 61.7% of celebrity businesses are in the restaurant sector, with bars following at 13.6% [4] - The reliance on celebrity endorsements has led to a high turnover of restaurant brands, with many failing to maintain quality and service after initial popularity [8][11] - Industry experts suggest that the future of successful restaurant brands will depend on their ability to build intrinsic value beyond celebrity association, focusing on product quality, supply chain management, and customer experience [12]

Core Insights - The brand "Shangshangqian Hotpot," previously co-owned by celebrity Xue Zhiqian, will close its Guangzhou location on December 15 due to lease expiration, leaving only the Shanghai store operational [2] - At its peak, the Shangshangqian brand had 8 direct stores and 20 franchise stores, with daily revenue reaching approximately 1.5 million yuan in 2017 [2] Company Developments - Xue Zhiqian gradually distanced himself from the Shangshangqian brand, officially exiting the associated company in February 2019, with his father taking over [4] - The associated company, Shanghai Shangqian Catering Management Co., Ltd., was dissolved in September 2021 [4] Industry Trends - Many celebrity-backed restaurant brands, including those by Zheng Kai, Huang Xiaoming, Meng Fei, and Chen He, initially attract consumer attention but often face poor long-term performance due to a lack of operational expertise [4] - Analysts suggest that while celebrities can drive initial traffic, successful restaurant management requires sustained efforts in product quality, service, operations, and supply chain management [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the closure of the "Shangshangqian" hotpot restaurant in Guangzhou, which was co-founded by celebrity Xu Zhian, highlighting the challenges faced by celebrity-backed dining brands in sustaining long-term success [3][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - "Shangshangqian" hotpot will officially close its Guangzhou location on December 15, leaving only the Shanghai store operational [3][4]. - The brand, co-founded by Xu Zhian and Li Yuanlin in 2012, once boasted 8 direct-operated stores and 20 franchise stores, with daily revenue reaching approximately 1.5 million yuan in 2017 [4]. Group 2: Celebrity Involvement and Challenges - Xu Zhian gradually distanced himself from "Shangshangqian," exiting the brand's associated company in February 2019, which was later dissolved in September 2021 [6]. - Many celebrity-backed dining ventures, including those by Zheng Kai, Huang Xiaoming, Meng Fei, and Chen He, initially attract consumer interest but often fail to maintain success due to a lack of operational expertise [6][7]. Group 3: Industry Insights - Industry analyst Zhu Danpeng notes that celebrities typically have minimal involvement in the day-to-day operations, relying on third-party teams that prioritize profit over creative and strategic planning, leading to many celebrity restaurants ultimately failing [6]. - According to industry expert Wen Zhihong, while celebrities can drive initial traffic, successful restaurant management requires sustained efforts in product quality, service, operations, and supply chain management to build a good reputation [7].

Group 1 - The closure of the Guangzhou location of the brand "Shangshangqian" will leave only one operational store in Shanghai, marking a significant reduction in its presence [1] - The brand was initially popular, with long wait times for customers, but has faced declining performance in recent years [1] - The association with celebrity Xu Zhian has diminished, as he has gradually distanced himself from the brand since 2019 [1] Group 2 - The restaurant industry, particularly in the hot pot segment, attracts many celebrities due to its low entry barriers and high standardization [2] - Successful restaurant operations require strong management and quality service, which many celebrity-backed ventures struggle to maintain [2] - Many celebrity restaurants do not have the celebrity involved in daily operations, leading to potential operational challenges [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by celebrities in the restaurant industry, highlighting the case of actress Zhao Lusi and her failed dessert shop partnership, which underscores the common pitfalls of celebrity investments in food businesses [2][4]. Group 1: Celebrity Investment Challenges - Zhao Lusi's dessert shop, RosyWylie, has closed down due to issues with her partner, who was absent and unresponsive, leading to financial losses and trademark registration problems [2][3]. - Many celebrity-owned restaurants initially attract attention but often fail due to a lack of operational expertise among the celebrity owners, who typically delegate management to third-party teams [4]. Group 2: Industry Insights - The trend of celebrities investing in restaurants has been prevalent, with many brands like Xue Zhiqian's "Shangshangqian" and Zheng Kai's "Huofengxiang" experiencing short-lived success [4]. - Analysts note that while third-party operators may have professional management skills, they often prioritize profit over creative planning, resulting in many celebrity restaurants ultimately failing [4].