Core Viewpoint - After a two-month crisis regarding pre-made dishes, the restaurant chain Xibei is transitioning from poor public relations to a more receptive approach, implementing price cuts, salary increases, and freshly made dishes to attract customers back to their restaurants [1][4]. Group 1: Customer Attraction Strategies - Xibei has initiated significant discount campaigns, including a "50 yuan off 50 yuan" voucher promotion, which has been extended to the end of November, aiming to draw customers back to the dining experience [1][2]. - The restaurant chain launched a "Please Eat" campaign on September 24, offering customers a no-strings-attached 100 yuan voucher, which significantly improved foot traffic [2]. - Xibei has also reduced prices on over 40 dishes by 15% to 20%, addressing consumer concerns about high prices and enhancing the overall dining experience [3][6]. Group 2: Employee Engagement and Cost Management - The company announced an average salary increase of 500 yuan per month for frontline employees starting in September, along with additional bonuses and allowances to stabilize staff morale [5]. - This dual strategy of lowering prices while increasing employee wages aims to improve customer service quality, which is crucial for retaining customers [5][6]. Group 3: Financial Performance and Challenges - Xibei reported a revenue of 6.2 billion yuan in 2023, with food procurement costs at 30%, indicating a relatively strong cost control compared to the industry average of 45.2% [6]. - However, the reliance on large subsidies to attract customers poses a risk to profitability, as ongoing discounts may compress profit margins [6][7]. Group 4: Industry Context and Competitive Landscape - The restaurant industry is undergoing a significant shakeout, with many once-popular brands struggling to maintain profitability amid rising costs and changing consumer preferences [8][9]. - Xibei's recent challenges reflect broader industry trends, including a decline in average dining prices and increased competition, which may necessitate structural adjustments to maintain profitability [8][9]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Strategic Considerations - The recent public relations incident involving Xibei's marketing partner has reignited scrutiny, potentially complicating the company's recovery efforts [9][10]. - Moving forward, Xibei must establish transparent pricing and production practices to regain consumer trust and ensure long-term sustainability in a competitive market [10][11].