Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the sudden passing of Zhao Han, the founder of Yunhaiyao, and highlights his contributions to the restaurant industry, particularly in promoting Yunnan cuisine. It also addresses the challenges faced by the company, including a food safety incident and brand aging issues. Company Overview - Yunhaiyao is a leading restaurant chain specializing in Yunnan cuisine, particularly known for its steam pot chicken. The company was recognized as one of the "Top Ten Most Popular Restaurants" by CCTV in 2017 and reported annual revenue exceeding 1 billion yuan in 2020, positioning itself among the top tier of Chinese casual dining brands [2][3]. Founder Background - Zhao Han was born in 1985 in Kunming, Yunnan. He studied at Renmin University, where he founded Yunhaiyao during his graduate studies. The first restaurant opened in 2009 in Beijing, despite initial losses due to high operational costs and a niche market for Yunnan cuisine [3][4]. Business Expansion - The company shifted its business model to focus on opening restaurants in shopping centers, with 97% of its locations situated in such venues. This strategic move capitalized on the rapid growth of commercial real estate and the increasing popularity of shopping centers [4][5]. Product Development - Zhao Han aimed to create a comprehensive menu that showcased classic Yunnan dishes while appealing to a broader audience. Innovations included combining local ingredients with popular dishes to cater to diverse tastes across China [5]. Investment and Growth - In 2014, Yunhaiyao received investments from Sequoia Capital and other firms, which facilitated its rapid expansion. The company ventured into international markets, opening five locations in Singapore and planning to enter Malaysia in July 2024 [5][6]. Food Safety Incident - A significant food safety incident occurred in July 2024, when 171 employees of ByteDance in Singapore fell ill after consuming meals from Yunhaiyao, leading to a fine of 7,000 SGD (approximately 39,149.6 RMB) and the closure of the implicated restaurant [6][7]. Market Challenges - The company faces challenges such as brand aging and competition from emerging dining concepts like bistros that blend local cuisine with modern dining experiences. As of 2025, Zhao Han stepped back from executive roles, with Zhu Haiqin taking over leadership responsibilities [7].