Core Insights - The article discusses a unique small restaurant in Chengdu that exclusively sells pre-packaged and semi-finished foods, challenging the prevailing negative perceptions of pre-prepared meals in the industry [5][10][20] - The owner, Ge Shixian, views the establishment as an experiment rather than a profit-driven business, aiming to explore consumer attitudes towards industrial food and pre-prepared meals [5][14][20] Summary by Sections Restaurant Concept - The restaurant operates for only three hours a day, offering items like hot dry noodles for 2 yuan and the most expensive dish for 13 yuan, attracting a loyal customer base [5][14] - Ge Shixian, the owner, identifies as an "industrial food blogger" and has a background in food processing, which informs his approach to the restaurant [3][10] Industry Trends - The restaurant serves as a microcosm for observing trends in the food industry, particularly the growing acceptance of pre-prepared meals among younger consumers [5][16] - A survey by the China Hotel Association indicates that 61.5% of respondents are willing to frequently purchase pre-prepared meals, a significant increase from previous years [16][20] Consumer Perception - Ge Shixian has developed methods to distinguish between freshly made and pre-prepared dishes, suggesting that poor taste may often be associated with freshly cooked meals due to a lack of culinary skill [7][10] - The article highlights a shift in consumer attitudes, with younger generations showing a natural acceptance of industrial food products, provided they are affordable and of good quality [16][20] Market Growth - The pre-prepared food market in China reached 361.6 billion yuan in 2023, with an annual growth rate of 20%-35%, projected to reach 749 billion yuan by 2026 [20] - The increasing standardization and transparency in food production processes are reshaping Chinese dining culture and consumer preferences [20]