Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the struggles of small restaurants, particularly a couple-run barbecue shop, in the face of intense competition from food delivery platforms and their subsidy wars, leading to the decision to close the business [4][6]. Group 1: Impact of Delivery Platforms - The ongoing subsidy wars among food delivery platforms have significantly impacted small restaurants, squeezing their pricing power and profitability [5][6]. - Small restaurants, which primarily rely on dine-in customers, are particularly vulnerable as they struggle to adapt to the increasing reliance on online orders [6][9]. - The shift towards food delivery has altered consumer habits, with more people opting for takeout instead of dining out, further diminishing the revenue of traditional restaurants [13][21]. Group 2: Financial Strain - The couple-run barbecue shop experienced a drastic decline in dine-in revenue, with weekend sales dropping from 18,000-25,000 to 8,000-9,000 [11][21]. - Fixed costs such as rent, utilities, and labor remain unchanged, creating a financial burden as income decreases [11][12]. - The profitability of delivery orders is low due to high platform commissions and discounts, making it difficult for small restaurants to sustain operations [9][11]. Group 3: Emotional and Social Aspects - The decision to close the restaurant is likened to a divorce, reflecting the emotional toll and the sense of loss associated with giving up a long-held dream [27][32]. - The article highlights the personal connections formed with regular customers, emphasizing the social aspect of dining that is lost in the shift to delivery [31][32]. - The owner expresses a desire for food to have "temperature," indicating the importance of the dining experience that cannot be replicated through delivery [32].

Core Viewpoint - The increasing competition and subsidy wars among food delivery platforms are significantly impacting small restaurants, leading to closures and financial struggles for many operators in the industry [1][2][18]. Industry Summary - The restaurant industry is facing severe challenges due to the escalating subsidy wars among food delivery platforms, which have drawn regulatory attention [1][2]. - Small restaurants, particularly those relying on dine-in services, are experiencing a decline in customer traffic and revenue, with weekend sales dropping from 18,000-25,000 to around 8,000 [2][6]. - The reliance on online traffic has increased, making it difficult for traditional dine-in establishments to compete, as they struggle to adapt to the new market dynamics [2][10]. Company Summary - A specific barbecue restaurant, which had previously ranked first in local dining reviews, is now facing closure due to the inability to sustain operations amid the competitive landscape [1][12]. - The restaurant's revenue from dine-in services has plummeted, with significant drops in daily sales impacting its ability to cover fixed costs such as rent and utilities [6][7]. - The owner expressed frustration over the reliance on external platforms for sales, noting that the quality of food suffers in delivery, which further diminishes dine-in customer numbers [4][8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the struggles faced by small restaurants, particularly in the context of the fierce competition and subsidy wars initiated by food delivery platforms, leading to significant declines in traditional dining revenue and ultimately forcing some businesses to close down [2][3][21]. Group 1: Impact of Delivery Platform Subsidies - The ongoing subsidy wars among delivery platforms have severely impacted small restaurants, squeezing their pricing power and profitability [3][20]. - Many small eateries, like the featured barbecue shop, have seen a drastic drop in dine-in customers, with weekend revenues plummeting from 18,000-25,000 to around 8,000, nearly matching their fixed costs [8][9]. - The reliance on delivery services has not translated into increased sales for many traditional restaurants, as the quality of food suffers during delivery, leading to a loss of dine-in customers [6][10]. Group 2: Challenges for Small Restaurants - Small restaurants are particularly vulnerable to the pressures of online delivery and the associated costs, as they lack the resources to compete with larger chains that benefit from supply chain advantages [3][4]. - The shift in consumer behavior towards ordering delivery instead of dining out has become a significant challenge, with many customers now preferring the convenience of home delivery [9][21]. - The financial burden of fixed costs such as rent and utilities remains unchanged, while revenues continue to decline, creating a precarious situation for small business owners [8][9]. Group 3: Emotional and Social Implications - The decision to close a restaurant is often accompanied by emotional turmoil, as owners reflect on their investments and the relationships built with loyal customers over the years [21][25]. - The article emphasizes the human aspect of dining, suggesting that food has an emotional and social value that cannot be replicated by delivery services or technology [24][29]. - There is a growing concern about the future of small restaurants and the potential loss of community and personal connections that they foster [24][29].

Core Points - The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has officially released the seventh batch of new occupational directories, adding 17 new professions and 42 new job types, including the recognition of "Barbecue Chef" as a formal occupation [1][3] - The establishment of the new job type brings identity recognition and new career opportunities for practitioners in the barbecue industry, as expressed by a long-time barbecue worker [1][3] - The Barbecue Chef is required to master core skills such as heat control and ingredient handling, as well as innovation in dish development and food safety management, although specific evaluation standards are still being explored [3] - The Yueyang Barbecue Research Institute has been established as the first barbecue academy in the country, planning to offer diverse training courses to prepare for professional evaluations [3][5] - The institute will also develop local industry standards and talent evaluation criteria, as well as compile industry development plans to enhance the quality and upgrade the industry [5]

Core Insights - The Jiangsu Province Urban Football League ("Su Chao") has gained significant attention, attracting both local small businesses and well-known brands as sponsors [2][3] - Local small shops, often lacking formal branding, have emerged as unexpected sponsors, benefiting from increased visibility and customer traffic due to their association with the league [2][4] Group 1: Sponsorship Dynamics - Small businesses like street-side barbecue shops and local eateries have become sponsors alongside major brands like KFC and JD.com, showcasing a unique blend of grassroots and corporate sponsorship [2][3] - The sponsorship fees for these small businesses are relatively affordable, allowing them to secure advertising space that was previously dominated by larger brands [2][7] - The number of sponsors has increased significantly, from single digits at the league's inception to nearly 30, covering various sectors including food, finance, and technology [7][8] Group 2: Business Impact - Local businesses have reported a surge in customer traffic and sales following their sponsorship involvement, with some experiencing a doubling of business [4][8] - For instance, "Dongha Northeast Street Barbecue" saw a dramatic increase in customers, leading to long wait times and the need for additional seating [4][6] - "He Xiaolei Fresh Marinated Goods" also reported a 30% increase in takeout orders after becoming a sponsor, highlighting the positive impact of the league on local businesses [5][6] Group 3: Community Engagement - Local shop owners are actively engaging with their communities, often giving back through free food offerings during events, which enhances their brand image and community ties [8][9] - The league has fostered a sense of community and local pride, with shop owners expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by their involvement in the league [6][10] - The sponsorships have allowed small businesses to gain exposure in a way that resonates with local consumers, creating a shared experience around the sport [10][11]

Core Insights - The "Su Super" league has significantly boosted local businesses in Changzhou, with a notable increase in consumer spending and engagement on platforms like Douyin [1][6]. Group 1: Business Impact - Douyin group purchase orders in Changzhou increased by 42% from June 21 to 22, with restaurant orders rising over 56% during the same period [1]. - The "土味" sponsor, Dongha Northeast Street Barbecue, saw a staggering 3074-fold increase in Douyin search volume, along with a 732-fold increase compared to the previous period [1]. - The "小恐龙" from the Changzhou China Dinosaur Park gained popularity, leading to a 125% increase in weekend group purchase orders for the park [4]. Group 2: Promotional Activities - The Tianmu Lake scenic area launched a promotional campaign offering free admission to bald visitors, which resulted in a 456% increase in Douyin live broadcast orders from June 21 to 22 [6]. - The Tianmu Lake also introduced special ticket offers, including children's tickets priced as low as 0.1 yuan, attracting significant attention [6]. - Douyin's initiative "Follow Su Super to Explore Jiangsu" aims to enhance business growth for Jiangsu merchants, leading to a 225% increase in leisure and sports group purchase orders and an 181% increase in in-store spending [6].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of a fair and open business environment, highlighting how even small businesses can thrive when given equal opportunities, as demonstrated by a local barbecue shop sponsoring a major sports event [1][2]. Group 1: Business Environment - The sponsorship of a local barbecue shop in a major sports event reflects a city's commitment to maintaining a fair business environment, treating all business entities equally regardless of their size or reputation [2]. - The event organizers' decision to include a small business as a sponsor showcases an open-minded approach that fosters healthy development for all business entities [2]. - A good business environment is characterized by fairness and respect for commitments, which ultimately enhances a city's long-term competitiveness [1][2]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The increasing commercial value of the "苏超" event has led to higher sponsorship fees, yet the organizers maintained their commitment to include the small barbecue shop, demonstrating the value of trust and integrity in business dealings [2]. - The article suggests that prioritizing larger businesses over smaller ones can harm government credibility and hinder long-term economic development [2]. - Trust and integrity in business practices are essential for winning the long-term confidence of business entities, which is crucial for sustainable economic growth [2].

Core Viewpoint - The investigation revealed that a barbecue vendor in Chongqing charged consumers 780 yuan, which was 50% higher than the average market price in the area, and engaged in fraudulent practices [1] Group 1: Investigation Findings - The Chongqing Jiangbei District Cultural and Tourism Development Committee reported that the vendor's pricing was significantly inflated compared to surrounding market rates [1] - The Jiangbei District Public Security Bureau confirmed that there was no coercion or threats involved in the payment process [1] Group 2: Regulatory Actions - The Jiangbei District Market Supervision Administration mandated the vendor to cease operations and imposed a fine equivalent to ten times the illegal earnings [1] - The vendor is required to fully refund the consumers and issue an apology [1]