Core Insights - Yang Guofu has expanded its operations globally since 2017, opening nearly 7,000 stores in over 20 countries, with around 200 overseas locations, targeting both overseas Chinese and local consumers [1][4] - The challenges of Chinese cuisine going global involve not just taste modification but reconstructing a business logic that resonates with local cultures [1][4] Localization Strategy - The initial challenge faced by Yang Guofu in overseas markets was the cultural perception of food, with many Western consumers unfamiliar with dishes like "malatang" [4] - To address this, Yang Guofu introduced the "Built Your Own Bowl" model, transforming the selection process into a self-service experience similar to a salad bar, making it more accessible to Western consumers [4] - The company's overseas expansion strategy combines franchising and direct management, testing local market acceptance through franchise partners before optimizing the model [4][5] Supply Chain Management - Yang Guofu has established direct stores in Europe and North America as "showrooms" to test new products and enhance brand image [5] - The company has implemented a front warehouse model in the U.S. to localize common ingredient storage, reducing delivery times and minimizing food waste [5] - Plans for a European front warehouse by 2025 aim to further optimize the supply chain, while partnerships in Korea help manage inventory and emergency planning [5] Cultural Integration - Yang Guofu emphasizes cultural output as a form of "soft power," integrating traditional Chinese cultural activities into its overseas locations [6] - The design of stores incorporates elements of Eastern aesthetics, enhancing the consumer experience from the moment they enter [6] - The synergy of brand strength, supply chain efficiency, and localized operations is crucial for achieving stable profitability in overseas markets [6] Future Vision - The ultimate goal of Chinese cultural output is to make the "philosophy of delicious balance" a universal language in global dining [7] - The success of Yang Guofu is not solely measured by the number of stores but by how well its offerings resonate with diverse culinary practices around the world [7] - The company's experience illustrates that when brand strength, supply chain, and localization work together, Chinese cuisine can thrive in international markets, contributing to a global narrative of Chinese culinary culture [7]

Core Viewpoint - A video surfaced showing employees at a Yang Guo Fu Mala Tang store in Japan chopping bones on the floor, raising hygiene concerns among consumers [1][3] Company Response - Yang Guo Fu Mala Tang confirmed that the store in question is not a direct-operated store, and that their direct-operated stores use machines for cutting, eliminating the need for employees to chop bones [3] - The company reported that they are investigating which franchise store was involved and have escalated the issue to their headquarters in China [3] Management Apology - A self-identified store manager publicly apologized on social media, stating that they will ensure bones are cut at the factory and that employees will clean the bones before cooking [5] - The manager emphasized a commitment to hygiene and stated that such incidents will not happen again [5] Company Background - Yang Guo Fu Mala Tang was founded in 2003 and has expanded to 5,588 stores nationwide as of June 11, 2023 [5] - The company attempted to go public in February 2022 but the IPO application has since expired, and there have been no recent attempts to refile [5] - The company has been expanding internationally since 2017, with nearly 7,000 stores in over 20 countries, including around 200 overseas locations as of April 2023 [5]

Core Viewpoint - The company Yang Guo Fu has publicly apologized for a food safety incident involving a mouse found in one of its stores in Suzhou, indicating a commitment to addressing the issue and enhancing food safety measures [1][2]. Group 1: Incident Response - Yang Guo Fu confirmed that the affected store has immediately removed and destroyed all food items, and is currently closed for thorough disinfection and rectification [2]. - The company has initiated a comprehensive investigation into its food safety practices, including the inspection of rodent prevention facilities and food storage protocols, with non-compliant stores facing immediate closure [2]. Group 2: Regulatory Actions - The Suzhou Industrial Park Market Supervision Administration reported that upon receiving complaints, they conducted an on-site inspection and ordered the store to cease operations, initiating legal proceedings against the business [4]. - The administration plans to intensify food safety oversight to ensure public health and safety [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a food safety incident involving Yang Guo Fu Spicy Hot Pot in Suzhou, where a rat was found in the food display area, leading to immediate regulatory action and increased scrutiny on food safety practices [1][2][3]. Group 1: Incident Details - On March 21, the Suzhou Industrial Park Market Supervision Administration reported a rat sighting in a Yang Guo Fu Spicy Hot Pot store, prompting an immediate inspection and a business suspension [1]. - The store claimed the rat came from an adjacent establishment and stated that all affected food items were removed, with daily sanitation measures being implemented [4]. - Previous incidents were noted, including a complaint in May 2024 from a consumer in Zhongshan, Guangdong, regarding a live rat found in the food area, which led to regulatory intervention and mandated rectification [5]. Group 2: Regulatory Response - The local market supervision authority plans to enhance food safety oversight to ensure public health protection [2]. - Yang Guo Fu Spicy Hot Pot was listed as the top entity on the black list in the 2024 annual offline dining institution rankings by Hei Mao Complaints, indicating ongoing issues with food safety [6].

Core Viewpoint - Yang Guofu Spicy Hotpot has faced significant food safety issues, including multiple reports of mice found in its stores, leading to negative publicity and regulatory scrutiny [2][3][4][5]. Group 1: Food Safety Incidents - On March 18, a store in Suzhou was reported to have mice in the food area, which the store claimed came from an adjacent shop. They stated that all affected items were removed and that daily disinfection would be conducted [2]. - On February 19, a customer in Dongxing found a mouse on the food display at another Yang Guofu location, prompting immediate action from local market regulators [3]. - In May 2024, a consumer in Zhongshan reported seeing a live mouse in the food area, and the store offered compensation but requested the deletion of the video evidence [4]. Group 2: Company Background and Performance - Yang Guofu Spicy Hotpot has over 6,193 stores nationwide, having started with the first store opened in 2003 and the brand registered in 2007 [6][7]. - The company aimed to become the "first stock of spicy hotpot" and submitted a listing application in February 2022, which has since expired. As of the third quarter of 2021, the company had 5,783 stores, with only three being self-operated [8]. - Revenue figures for the years 2019, 2020, and the first three quarters of 2021 were reported as 1.182 billion, 1.114 billion, and 1.163 billion yuan, respectively, with net profits of 181 million, 169 million, and 202 million yuan during the same periods [8]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment - On March 19, the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council issued guidelines to strengthen food safety regulations across the entire supply chain, emphasizing the need for strict oversight of food quality and safety [10].