Core Viewpoint - The ongoing "subsidy war" led by food delivery platforms has resulted in increased order volumes but has significantly compressed the profits of restaurants, creating a challenging environment for merchants [2][3][4]. Group 1: Impact on Restaurants - Many restaurants, initially focused on dine-in services, have been forced to enter the delivery market due to competitive pressure, leading to financial strain [3][4]. - A restaurant owner reported that after deducting various fees from a delivery order, the actual revenue was only 23.93 yuan from a 40.88 yuan order, resulting in a loss when considering fixed costs [3]. - Another restaurant owner experienced a drop in net income from over 20,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan despite a significant increase in order volume, highlighting the adverse effects of the subsidy war on profitability [5]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior Changes - The disparity in pricing between dine-in and delivery options has led to a decline in dine-in customers, with some opting to order delivery while at the restaurant [5]. - The competitive pricing strategies employed by delivery platforms have made it difficult for traditional restaurants to maintain their customer base [5]. Group 3: Winners and Losers - While many traditional restaurants face losses, some businesses, like tea shops, have managed to thrive due to lower operational costs and effective pricing strategies [6]. - A tea shop reported profitability even with lower delivery prices, indicating that not all segments of the food service industry are equally affected by the subsidy war [6]. Group 4: Regulatory Response - The intense competition has led to significant profit declines for platforms, with Meituan reporting a 98% drop in operating profit due to irrational competition [7]. - Regulatory authorities have intervened to mitigate the situation, urging platforms to adhere to e-commerce laws and promote rational competition [7][9]. - Experts suggest that long-term solutions are needed to prevent harmful competition and protect the interests of merchants and consumers alike [9].