Core Points - The sudden passing of Zhao Han, co-founder of Yunhaiyao, at the age of 40 due to a heart attack has left the industry in shock and mourning [3][4][14] - Yunhaiyao, founded in 2014, has grown into a leading chain restaurant brand specializing in Yunnan cuisine, with 138 stores and annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan [5][16] Company Overview - Yunhaiyao was established in 2014 and has become a prominent player in the Chinese dining market, known for its healthy and affordable Yunnan dishes [5][16] - The brand has expanded to 138 direct-operated stores across 29 cities, primarily located in major shopping centers [16] - Signature dishes include classic Yunnan specialties such as "Qiguo Chicken" and "Stir-fried Matsutake" [16] Leadership Transition - Following Zhao Han's death, Zhu Haiqin has taken over as the new chairman and CEO of Yunhaiyao, indicating a shift in leadership [9] - Zhao Han had been the legal representative of the company from April 2014 until December 2024, when the board was restructured [9] Financial Performance - Yunhaiyao has achieved significant financial milestones, with annual sales surpassing 1 billion yuan and a rapid expansion strategy that began in 2013 [15][16] - The company has received early-stage investments from notable firms such as Sequoia Capital and Julei Capital, although specific funding amounts have not been disclosed [16] Challenges and Controversies - The company faced a food safety scandal in 2024 when a mass food poisoning incident occurred in Singapore, leading to legal repercussions and a fine [18][20] - There have been multiple complaints regarding food safety, highlighting ongoing management challenges within the company [20][22] Industry Context - Zhao Han's unexpected death has raised awareness about health issues among entrepreneurs, with statistics indicating a concerning trend in cardiovascular diseases among business leaders in China [22]

Core Points - Zhao Han, the founder and chairman of the well-known restaurant chain Yunhaiyao, passed away due to a sudden heart attack at the age of 40 [1][4] - The official statement from Yunhaiyao confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow and highlighting the pressures Zhao faced in the restaurant industry [1] - Zhao Han was instrumental in establishing Yunhaiyao and expanding its brand presence, including international ventures [5] Company Overview - Yunhaiyao was co-founded by Zhao Han and three other individuals in October 2009, with the first restaurant opening in Beijing [5] - The brand focuses on Yunnan cuisine, with the name reflecting its origins and culinary aspirations [5] - Under Zhao's leadership, Yunhaiyao became a leading chain in Yunnan cuisine, launching several sub-brands [5] Investment and Growth - In 2014, Yunhaiyao received significant investment from Sequoia Capital and Julin Capital, marking a pivotal moment in its growth [5] - The company relocated its registration back to Kunming in the same year and opened its first restaurant in Kunming in November 2017 [5] - Zhao Han expanded the brand internationally, opening a restaurant in Singapore in 2019, with a third location established in September 2020 [5] Leadership Transition - Zhao Han was set to fully exit management of Yunhaiyao by the end of 2024, with Zhu Haiqin appointed as the new chairman and CEO in February 2025 [5]

Core Points - Zhao Han, the founder and chairman of the restaurant brand Yunhaiyao, passed away at the age of 40 due to illness on September 18, 2025 [1] - Zhao Han had been involved in the restaurant industry for nearly 20 years and co-founded Yunhaiyao in 2008 with a team of three others [2] - Under Zhao Han's leadership, Yunhaiyao expanded to 143 stores across 29 cities in China by July 2025, with a focus on direct operation and a significant presence in shopping malls [3] Company Overview - Yunhaiyao was established in 2008 by Zhao Han and his team, which included his cousin and friends, focusing on Yunnan cuisine [2] - The company has developed into a leading chain in Yunnan cuisine, launching multiple brands such as Yunhaiyao Qiguo Chicken and Dao Xiaoman Half Chicken Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles [3] - As of July 2025, Yunhaiyao has also ventured into international markets, opening five stores in Singapore since 2019 [3] Industry Context - The restaurant industry has faced significant challenges, particularly during the pandemic, which led to a complete drop in revenue for some establishments [3]