Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of the Chinese snack food industry, particularly the trend of traditional snack brands, such as Huo Shang Huo and others, shifting towards a fast-food model to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market conditions [4][11]. Group 1: Industry Trends - Huo Shang Huo has opened a new hot marinated food store in Nanchang, which deviates from the traditional takeout model by offering a dine-in experience with tables and chairs [6][7]. - Major brands like Zhou Hei Ya and Jue Wei are expanding their product lines to include staple foods like rice and noodles, aiming to enter the highly competitive fast-food market [4][11]. - The overall growth of the marinated food sector is slowing, with a projected market size of 157.3 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a decrease in growth rate from 4.8% in 2023 to 3.7% [13]. Group 2: Company Strategies - Huo Shang Huo's new hot marinated food store features a simplified product line with over 30 SKUs, compared to more than 50 in traditional stores, and offers value-driven meal combinations [7][8]. - The company has seen a decline in store numbers from 4,627 in 2020 to 2,898 in the first half of this year, with total revenue for the first three quarters of this year at 1.379 billion yuan, down 5.08% year-on-year [12]. - Other brands are also innovating; for instance, Jue Wei has launched a new store concept that includes a variety of food options and lower-priced items, while Zhou Hei Ya has introduced a sub-brand focusing on fast-casual dining [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - The trend of "fast food" transformation among various braised food brands is emerging, with companies like Huang Shang Huang, Zhou Hei Ya, and Jue Wei Foods expanding their product lines to include staple foods and adopting a fast-casual dining model to adapt to the competitive market [1][7]. Group 1: Company Developments - Huang Shang Huang has opened a new hot braised food store in Nanchang, featuring a simplified design and a menu that includes hot braised dishes, rice, noodles, and drinks, aiming to attract customers with a dine-in experience [2][3]. - The new hot braised store offers over 30 SKUs, which is a reduction from the 50+ SKUs available at traditional Huang Shang Huang outlets, focusing on value through combo meals priced between 30-40 yuan per person [3][6]. - The company has previously tested the hot braised food market with its "Boiling Braised" project launched in April 2020, but significant investment in this area was lacking until recent developments [6]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The overall performance of the braised food sector is declining, with Huang Shang Huang's store count dropping from 4,627 in 2020 to 2,898 in the first half of this year, and a revenue decrease of 5.08% year-on-year to 1.379 billion yuan in the first three quarters [7]. - The braised food market is projected to grow at a slower rate, with a market size of 157.3 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a decline in growth rate from 4.8% in 2023 to 3.7% [7]. - Competitors are also adapting by launching new store formats and product lines, such as Jue Wei Foods' "Jue Wei Fresh Braised" store and "Jue Wei Plus" outlets, which offer a wider variety of food items at lower price points [7][8].