Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence of a new dining trend in China, specifically the introduction of a rotating model for Sichuan cuisine, similar to rotating sushi and hot pot concepts [1][3][5] - The rotating dining format allows for a self-service experience with low-priced dishes, attracting consumers looking for novelty and affordability [1][3] Industry Overview - The first rotating Sichuan restaurant, "Hong Cuisine · Play Chengdu," has opened in Shanghai, offering a membership-based model with prices as low as 1.8 yuan for dishes [3][4] - The rotating model, initially popularized by sushi in the 1950s, has now expanded to various cuisines, including hot pot and other popular food categories [4][7] Market Trends - In 2023, the rotating hot pot concept gained significant traction, with over 400 new related businesses established in the first five months, averaging three openings per day [8] - The trend reflects a broader movement in the restaurant industry where various food categories are being reimagined through self-service and rotating formats, appealing to the "lonely economy" and single-person dining preferences [10][18] Challenges and Competition - The industry faces challenges such as homogenization, with 80% of rotating hot pot menus showing over 70% similarity, leading to low consumer repurchase rates [14][13] - Supply chain pressures are also a concern, as maintaining product quality and pricing requires robust supply chain management [16][15] Future Prospects - The article suggests that while the rotating model has potential for further innovation, true differentiation will require creating new value propositions beyond mere format changes [22][21]