Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the ongoing challenges and transformations in the prepared food industry, particularly focusing on the case of Xibei, highlighting the tension between consumer expectations and operational realities in the restaurant sector [4][6][14]. Group 1: Prepared Food Industry Dynamics - The prepared food and central kitchen models are seen as inevitable products of the expansion of chain restaurants [6]. - Despite facing backlash, the sales of prepared foods continue to rise, indicating a complex consumer relationship with these products [5][6]. - The central kitchen model simplifies supply chain management by unifying raw material procurement and pre-processing, allowing restaurants to focus on final cooking [13][14]. Group 2: Xibei's Business Model and Challenges - Xibei's journey reflects a search for the optimal single-store model suitable for expansion, influenced by the success of Haidilao [10][13]. - The company has undergone multiple rebranding efforts to find a focused identity, ultimately adopting a central kitchen approach to enhance efficiency [10][14]. - Xibei's pricing strategy has faced criticism, particularly regarding the perceived value of its prepared dishes compared to fresh ones, leading to consumer backlash [24][28]. Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The article notes a significant increase in investment activity in the restaurant sector post-2015, driven by the central kitchen model's promise of standardization and rapid expansion [14][18]. - Xibei's pricing strategies, including the introduction of children's meals, have aimed to enhance profitability but have also led to public scrutiny over perceived value [20][22]. - The challenges faced by Xibei reflect broader structural issues in the chain restaurant industry, particularly concerning single-store efficiency and consumer expectations [28][34].