Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the life and impact of Zhao Han, the founder of Yunhai Yao, highlighting the challenges faced by the restaurant industry and the personal struggles of Zhao as he pursued his dream of promoting Yunnan cuisine globally [4][25]. Group 1: Zhao Han's Legacy - Zhao Han passed away suddenly at the age of 40, leaving behind a significant mark on the Chinese chain restaurant industry with Yunhai Yao, which has expanded to 143 locations in 29 cities and 5 in Singapore by July 2025 [6][9]. - Zhao was known for his idealism and straightforwardness, often expressing his views candidly about the struggles within the restaurant sector, particularly during challenging times [10][11]. - His commitment to Yunnan cuisine and the restaurant's growth was evident, as he aimed to bring authentic Yunnan dishes to a broader audience, despite the industry's difficulties [16][25]. Group 2: Industry Challenges - The restaurant industry has faced severe pressures, with many businesses struggling to maintain profitability. For instance, in the first half of 2024, profits for major restaurants in Beijing plummeted by 88.8% year-on-year, with a profit margin of only 0.37% [10][30]. - Yunhai Yao, primarily focused on dine-in services, has been adversely affected by the rise of low-cost fast food and the shift in consumer behavior towards takeout during the pandemic [29][30]. - The company has also faced operational challenges, including a significant drop in revenue during the pandemic, leading to drastic measures such as closing unprofitable locations and exploring community sales [30][31]. Group 3: Business Model and Growth - Yunhai Yao's growth was accelerated by investments from major firms like Sequoia Capital and Junlin Capital, allowing for rapid expansion and the establishment of a strong brand presence in the market [21][22]. - The brand's signature dishes, such as small pot rice noodles, faced production challenges due to the need for quality control and supply chain management, which Zhao addressed by investing in local production facilities [22][24]. - Despite the challenges, Zhao's vision for Yunhai Yao has set a precedent for the standardization and expansion of Yunnan cuisine, paving the way for future entrepreneurs in the sector [24][25].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by mid-range dining chains in China, particularly focusing on Yunhaiyao and Xibei, highlighting their struggles in a changing economic environment and consumer expectations [5][6][17]. Group 1: Company Challenges - Yunhaiyao's founder passed away unexpectedly, and the company has recently closed some locations, indicating a decline in business [5]. - Xibei has also faced significant public relations issues, leading to decreased customer traffic despite remaining open [5][9]. - Both companies have been criticized for their handling of food safety and customer service, which has contributed to their current struggles [5][9]. Group 2: Economic Context - The dining industry in Beijing is projected to see a revenue decline of 4.9% in 2024, with significant drops in profitability, as evidenced by a reported 88.8% decrease in profits for large-scale dining establishments [9][10]. - The average profit margin for dining companies has plummeted to 0.37%, with many businesses operating at a loss [9][10]. Group 3: Standardization and Central Kitchen - The push for standardization in Chinese dining has led to the adoption of central kitchens, which aim to reduce costs and maintain consistency across locations [10][11]. - While central kitchens can improve efficiency, they may also compromise the quality and uniqueness of dishes, leading to customer dissatisfaction [10][11]. - The reliance on pre-prepared meals has created a dilemma for dining brands, as consumers increasingly seek fresh, made-to-order options [11][12]. Group 4: Consumer Expectations - Consumers are becoming more discerning, expecting higher value for their spending, which has made it difficult for mid-range dining brands to meet these demands [13][14]. - The article notes that the perception of value has shifted, with customers feeling that the same amount of money now buys less in terms of dining experience [13][14]. Group 5: Future Outlook - There are discussions about the potential for these brands to expand internationally, but past experiences, such as Yunhaiyao's issues in Singapore, suggest that the challenges may outweigh the benefits [16][17]. - The article concludes that many mid-range dining brands are caught in a negative cycle of declining customer satisfaction and revenue, making it difficult to sustain growth [15][18].

Core Viewpoint - The recent incidents involving Yunhaiyao and Xibei highlight the challenges faced by mid-range dining chains in China, indicating that these brands are at a critical crossroads in their business trajectories [2][30]. Group 1: Company Challenges - Both Yunhaiyao and Xibei have faced significant public relations crises, with Xibei's founder struggling to respond effectively to criticism and Yunhaiyao involved in a serious food safety incident in Singapore [2][3]. - The dining industry has seen a decline in customer traffic, with Xibei experiencing reduced footfall despite remaining open [2][9]. - The profitability of the restaurant sector has sharply declined, with Beijing's large-scale dining industry reporting a profit drop of 88.8% in the first half of 2024, leading to a profit margin of only 0.37% [11][12]. Group 2: Economic Context - The dining sector, particularly mid-range brands, thrived during economic upturns but is now facing a downturn, with consumers tightening their spending [8][30]. - The average consumer now perceives 100 yuan as more valuable than before, leading to higher expectations for value and experience from dining establishments [20][30]. Group 3: Standardization and Central Kitchen - Standardization in Chinese cuisine is challenging, and while central kitchens were initially seen as burdensome, they have become necessary for cost reduction and efficiency as brands scale [4][13]. - Both Yunhaiyao and Xibei have invested in central kitchens to maintain consistency and reduce operational costs, but this has led to a compromise in food quality and customer satisfaction [15][16]. Group 4: Market Position and Future Prospects - The number of operational stores for Yunhaiyao has stagnated, remaining at around 150 over several years, indicating a lack of growth [22][24]. - There are discussions about international expansion as a potential solution for these brands, but past experiences, such as Yunhaiyao's challenges in Singapore, suggest that the risks may outweigh the benefits [25][26][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the life and entrepreneurial journey of Zhao Han, the founder of Yunhaiyao, a chain restaurant specializing in Yunnan cuisine, highlighting his dedication and the challenges faced by the brand after his sudden passing at the age of 40 [6][10]. Company Overview - Yunhaiyao was founded in 2009 by Zhao Han and his friend Zhu Haiqin in Beijing, and as of July 2025, it operates 143 stores in 29 cities in China and 5 stores in Singapore, making it a representative brand for the chainization of Yunnan cuisine [6][10]. - The name "Yunhaiyao" reflects its focus on Yunnan cuisine, with "Yun" representing Yunnan, "Hai" referring to the location of the first restaurant, and "Yao" meaning delicacies [8]. Entrepreneurial Journey - Zhao Han's passion for Yunnan cuisine began during his university years, leading him to open the first restaurant despite initial skepticism from peers [7][9]. - The first restaurant faced significant challenges, including low customer traffic and daily losses of 5,000 to 6,000 yuan, prompting the team to open a second location in a shopping center [9][10]. - The brand's growth was fueled by aligning with consumer trends and the expansion of shopping malls, allowing Yunhaiyao to become a well-known name in the restaurant industry [9][10]. Financial Growth and Challenges - After receiving investment from Sequoia Capital and Juhua Capital in 2014, Yunhaiyao expanded rapidly, surpassing 100 stores by 2019 [10]. - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted sales, but the brand managed to support its employees during the crisis, which garnered positive public sentiment [10][11]. - As of July 2025, the growth rate of new stores has slowed compared to previous years, and the company faces challenges such as brand aging and supply chain risks [10][11]. Food Safety Issues - Yunhaiyao has encountered food safety problems, including a significant incident in Singapore where over 100 employees of ByteDance suffered food poisoning due to contaminated dishes, affecting the brand's international reputation [11]. - The rise of new dining concepts, such as refined Yunnan cuisine represented by brands like Yungui Bistro, poses additional competition for Yunhaiyao [11]. Legacy of Zhao Han - Zhao Han is remembered as a dedicated and innovative entrepreneur who significantly contributed to popularizing Yunnan cuisine across China [12][13]. - His approach to business was characterized by a willingness to take risks and challenge conventional norms, which has left a lasting impact on the industry [12].

Core Viewpoint - The sudden passing of Zhao Han, the founder of Yunhaiyao, highlights the challenges and achievements of the brand, which has become a representative of chain Yunnan cuisine in China, with 143 stores in 29 cities by July 2025 [3][10]. Company Background - Yunhaiyao was founded in 2009 by Zhao Han and Zhu Haiqin in Beijing, aiming to bring Yunnan cuisine outside of Yunnan [5][6]. - The name "Yunhaiyao" reflects its roots, with "Yun" representing Yunnan cuisine, "Hai" referring to the location (Houhai), and "Yao" meaning delicacies [6]. Growth and Expansion - The brand initially struggled with low customer traffic and significant losses, averaging 5,000 to 6,000 yuan per day during its early days [7]. - Despite early setbacks, the founders remained committed to their vision, leading to the opening of a second store in a shopping center, which aligned with the trend of consumer upgrades and the rise of local cuisine [8][9]. - By 2019, Yunhaiyao had expanded to over 100 stores in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, following a successful investment round in 2014 [9]. Challenges Faced - The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted sales, but the brand managed to support its employees during the closure by collaborating with Hema [10]. - As of July 2025, Yunhaiyao's growth has slowed, with only 143 stores compared to over 100 in 2019, facing issues like brand aging and supply chain risks [10]. - The brand has encountered food safety issues, including a significant incident in 2024 that affected its international operations [11]. Industry Context - Unlike hot pot and Sichuan cuisine, Yunnan cuisine faces challenges in standardization and large-scale chain operations due to ingredient supply and preparation complexities [11]. - New trends in the restaurant industry, such as the rise of refined Yunnan cuisine represented by brands like Yun Gui Bistro, are emerging, indicating a shift in consumer preferences [11].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of health and wellness, particularly for individuals over 30, suggesting that investing in one's health is more valuable than material possessions or children [2][4]. Group 1: Health Concerns - After the age of 30, especially for women, bodily functions decline sharply, leading to fatigue and poor health [4][5]. - Common symptoms include fatigue, lack of energy, poor sleep quality, and overall physical decline [5][6]. Group 2: Health Recommendations - The article recommends focusing on nourishing the body to ensure that all other endeavors are meaningful [7]. - It highlights five health supplements from the mountains of Yunnan and Guizhou that can help improve health [10]. Group 3: Specific Health Products - **Lingzhi Spore Powder and Oil**: Known for its health benefits, including boosting energy and supporting internal health. It contains 5.4% polysaccharides and 24.7% triterpenes, which are significantly higher than those from greenhouse-grown products [11][27]. - **Wenshan Sanqi Powder**: Recognized for its blood-nourishing properties, it is recommended for individuals with dry skin, poor sleep, and fatigue. The product is sourced from a certified plantation with high saponin content [37][50]. - **Guishan Goat Milk Powder**: This product is suitable for children, postpartum mothers, and the elderly, providing high calcium and protein content. It boasts a calcium content of 1120mg/100g, which is 8-10 times that of regular cow's milk [55][63].