Core Viewpoint - The restaurant chain Xibei is undergoing significant changes in response to a recent public relations crisis, focusing on product adjustments, service improvements, and price reductions to regain customer trust and enhance brand image [1][3][9]. Product Adjustments - Xibei has committed to improving food safety and has made several product changes, including transitioning from pre-prepared to on-site cooking. As of September 30, the first batch of product adjustments has been completed, such as switching to non-GMO soybean oil and preparing certain dishes fresh in-store [5][9]. - The second phase of product adjustments includes handmade dumplings and freshly made chicken soup, with ongoing discussions with suppliers to shorten product shelf life while ensuring safety [5][9]. Service Improvements - The company is refocusing on family dining and enhancing services for children, the elderly, and women. By November, all stores will be equipped with first aid kits, and by December, each store will have at least one staff member trained in first aid [5][9]. Customer Traffic and Sales Strategies - Following the adjustments, customer traffic has begun to recover, with some stores reporting a 20% increase in weekend traffic compared to the previous year. However, trust issues remain among some consumers [6][8]. - To address complaints about high prices, Xibei implemented significant price reductions on over 40 dishes starting October 1, with discounts exceeding 20%. Additionally, the company distributed free vouchers to attract customers, resulting in a 5% increase in overall customer traffic compared to the previous year [7][8]. Store Adjustments - Xibei has closed nearly 10 stores since October, which the company states is a normal part of restaurant operations, with an annual store adjustment rate of about 10%. In 2022, Xibei opened 13 stores and closed 31, while in 2023, it opened 26 and closed 14 [7][8]. Brand Recovery Efforts - The company is focused on transforming the crisis into an opportunity for brand rebuilding, emphasizing transparency and customer engagement. While some progress has been made in restoring customer traffic, full recovery of brand trust will take time [9].

Core Viewpoint - The company Xibei is shifting its focus from speed to quality in response to recent challenges, including a decline in customer trust and sales due to the pre-prepared food controversy [3][10]. Summary by Sections Customer Experience and Sales - Xibei's restaurant occupancy rate is currently around 30%-40%, with a noticeable decline in business activity [3]. - The company is issuing 100 yuan vouchers to customers to regain their trust and encourage repeat visits, valid from September 25 to October 31 [5][8]. Changes in Food Preparation - Xibei has eliminated its previous "timed hourglass" promise for serving food within 25 minutes, indicating a shift in operational priorities [5]. - The company has committed to making significant changes to its food preparation processes, moving from centralized kitchen operations to on-site cooking to better meet customer expectations [10][12]. - Specific changes include: - Switching to non-GMO soybean oil for all dishes [10][12]. - Introducing fresh ingredients, such as fresh pumpkin slices in oatmeal millet porridge and freshly cut lamb skewers [7][10]. - Ensuring that all meat products, including pork and beef, are prepared fresh on-site rather than pre-cooked and frozen [10][12][13]. Company Response and Future Outlook - Xibei issued an apology letter acknowledging the gap between its production methods and customer expectations, promising to improve transparency and food safety [11][12]. - The company aims to enhance its operational efficiency while maintaining food quality, reflecting a broader trend in the restaurant industry towards balancing speed and quality [10][12].

Core Viewpoint - Xibei is implementing a series of apology and rectification measures in response to the "pre-made food" controversy, including adjustments to cooking processes and ingredient sourcing [1][3]. Summary by Sections Rectification Measures - Xibei announced plans to shift from centralized kitchen processing to on-site cooking at stores, aiming to complete these changes by October 1 [1][3]. - Specific adjustments include switching to non-GMO soybean oil for all dishes, preparing children's meals on-site, and modifying the preparation of various signature dishes [1][3]. Operational Challenges - The transition to on-site cooking will likely increase labor costs due to the need for skilled chefs and additional training for existing staff [3][4]. - The adjustments may also lead to higher food waste and require more kitchen space and equipment, potentially affecting overall efficiency [3][4]. Financial Implications - Xibei's average profit margin of 5% may be further compressed due to increased operational costs from the changes [5]. - Comparatively, Xibei's profit margin is positioned in the middle range within the industry, with competitors like KFC and Haidilao reporting higher margins [5][6]. Market Conditions - The overall restaurant industry is facing challenges, with a reported 4.3% growth in national dining revenue, but a decline in revenue growth for larger establishments [6][7]. - Xibei has experienced a significant drop in customer traffic following the controversy, with daily revenue losses estimated at 1 million to 3 million yuan [6][7]. Consumer Trust Issues - Xibei's shift towards a "family-friendly restaurant" model, focusing on children's meals, raises concerns about regaining consumer trust, particularly regarding food safety and ingredient transparency [10][12]. - The controversy surrounding pre-made foods has highlighted a disconnect between industry standards and public perception, complicating Xibei's efforts to rebuild trust with consumers [12].

Core Viewpoint - The incident involving Luo Yonghao's comments about Xibei's use of pre-prepared dishes has sparked significant public attention, leading to Xibei's acknowledgment of the gap between its production methods and customer expectations, and a commitment to adjust its practices by moving some food preparation to in-store cooking [1][3]. Group 1: Consumer Rights and Expectations - Consumers assert their right to know the true nature of the food they purchase, supported by consumer protection laws that mandate transparency regarding whether dishes are freshly prepared or pre-prepared [1][2]. - Many consumers do not oppose pre-prepared dishes per se but are against paying a premium for what they believe to be freshly cooked meals when, in fact, they are not [2]. Group 2: Industry Response and Opportunities - The controversy presents a transformation opportunity for the restaurant industry, as Xibei's adjustments respond to consumer demands for transparency and quality, potentially enhancing the dining experience [3][5]. - The shift towards in-store cooking and communication with suppliers to ensure freshness aligns with growing consumer concerns about food safety and ingredient quality [3]. Group 3: Regulatory and Market Trends - Recent regulatory developments, including a draft national standard for pre-prepared foods that mandates the absence of preservatives and requires disclosure of pre-prepared dish usage, indicate a move towards greater transparency in the industry [3]. - The market's response to this incident has led many restaurants to adopt live-streaming of kitchen processes, allowing consumers to witness food preparation firsthand, thereby building trust between consumers and the restaurant industry [4].

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding the pre-prepared dishes of the restaurant chain Xibei has sparked significant public attention and regulatory scrutiny, highlighting consumer rights and the need for transparency in the food industry [1][2][4]. Company Summary - Xibei has acknowledged the disparity between its production methods and customer expectations, committing to adjust its operations by moving from centralized kitchen processing to on-site cooking in stores by October 1 [2][4]. - The company plans to modify several well-known dishes to be prepared fresh in-store, which aligns with consumer preferences for transparency and quality [4]. Industry Summary - The pre-prepared dish controversy presents an opportunity for the restaurant industry to improve and adapt, as consumer demand for transparency and quality increases [4][5]. - The recent regulatory developments, including the introduction of national food safety standards for pre-prepared dishes, will require restaurants to disclose their use of such products, further pushing the industry towards greater transparency [4]. - Many restaurants have begun live-streaming their kitchen processes to enhance consumer trust, showcasing the preparation of dishes in real-time [5].

Core Viewpoint - The incident involving Luo Yonghao's comments on Xibei's use of pre-prepared dishes has sparked significant public attention and debate regarding consumer rights and transparency in the restaurant industry [1][2]. Group 1: Consumer Rights and Expectations - Consumers assert their right to know whether the dishes they are consuming are freshly prepared or pre-prepared, supported by consumer protection laws [1]. - Many consumers do not oppose pre-prepared dishes per se but are against paying a premium for dishes that are not freshly made without their knowledge [2]. Group 2: Industry Response and Opportunities - Xibei's decision to adjust its cooking processes to prepare dishes on-site is a direct response to consumer demands for transparency and quality [3]. - The planned adjustments include popular dishes like "Children's Meal Beef Braised Rice" and "Pork Chop with Sauerkraut," which will now be made fresh, aligning with consumer expectations [3]. - The recent draft of national food safety standards emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the use of pre-prepared dishes in restaurants, indicating a shift towards greater accountability in the industry [3]. Group 3: Technological Adaptation - Many restaurants have begun live-streaming their kitchens to showcase the cooking process, enhancing consumer trust through transparency [4]. - This trend of kitchen live-streaming allows consumers to witness the preparation of their meals, fostering a stronger connection between consumers and the restaurant industry [4]. Group 4: Industry Transformation - The pre-prepared dish controversy presents an opportunity for the restaurant industry to improve and adapt to changing consumer expectations [5].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Xibei, acknowledges a significant gap between its production processes and customer expectations, leading to an apology and a commitment to improve customer experience through adjustments in food preparation methods by October 1, 2025 [1][3]. Group 1: Adjustments to Food Preparation - Xibei will switch all dishes cooked with soybean oil to non-GMO soybean oil [1]. - The beef sauce for children's rice will be prepared fresh at the store instead of pre-made [1]. - The beef patties for children's meals will be made fresh on-site [1]. - The cod fish strips will be replaced with fresh, whole yellow croaker, prepared on-site [1]. - Lamb skewers will be cut, skewered, and grilled fresh at the store [1]. - The pork chop dish will use fresh pork ribs instead of semi-finished products, cooked on-site [1]. - The braised meat in the flaky meat sandwich will be prepared fresh at the store [1]. - The shredded spicy chicken will be cooked fresh at the store [1]. - The oatmeal millet porridge will be freshly made with real pumpkin slices [1]. Group 2: Customer Engagement and Transparency - Xibei encourages customers to continue providing feedback and suggestions for improvement [3]. - The founder of Xibei, Jia Guolong, emphasizes a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, stating that the company will learn from successful peers [3]. - The company invites customers to supervise the improvement measures and promises to keep them updated on changes [3]. Group 3: Public Reaction - Following the apology letter, there was a notable public reaction, with some consumers expressing dissatisfaction with the company's response [5]. - Notable figures, such as Luo Yonghao, questioned the sincerity of the apology, indicating a broader scrutiny of the company's communication [4].

Core Viewpoint - The company West B is addressing customer concerns regarding its food production processes and has acknowledged a significant gap between its practices and customer expectations. The company has committed to implementing nine adjustments across its nationwide stores by October 1, 2025, to enhance customer experience and food safety [1][4][8]. Group 1: Customer Concerns and Company Response - West B issued an apology on September 15, acknowledging the confusion and concerns raised by customers regarding its food production methods [1][4]. - The company emphasized its commitment to food safety and compliance with national regulations while actively seeking to improve its production processes [4][5]. - The adjustments planned include transitioning from pre-prepared to freshly made items in stores, such as using non-GMO soybean oil and preparing various dishes on-site [3][5]. Group 2: Impact of Controversy - The controversy began on September 10 when a public figure criticized West B's dishes as pre-prepared, leading to a heated exchange between the company's founder and the critic [8][9]. - Following the criticism, West B experienced a significant drop in daily revenue, with losses estimated at 1 million yuan on September 10 and 11, and further declines of 2 to 3 million yuan on September 12 [9]. - The company had to halt its initiative to allow public kitchen inspections after negative reports surfaced regarding food safety practices [9].

Core Points - Xibei has issued an apology letter on September 15, stating that all partners are actively working to address customer concerns and improve experiences [1] - The company plans to implement adjustments in all nationwide stores by October 1, 2025, focusing on food safety and inventory turnover while shortening product shelf life [1] - Xibei encourages customers to continue providing feedback for ongoing improvements [1] Adjustments and Changes - All dishes using soybean oil will switch to non-GMO soybean oil [4] - Children's meal beef rice will be adjusted to be stir-fried on-site [4] - Children's meal beef patties will be made fresh on-site [4] - Children's meal cod fish sticks will be replaced with fresh-cut large yellow croaker, fried and baked on-site [4] - Grilled lamb skewers will be freshly cut, skewered, and grilled on-site [4] - Pork chop sauerkraut will switch from semi-finished pork chops to fresh pork ribs, stir-fried on-site [4] - The braised meat in flaky meat sandwich will be made with fresh meat, braised on-site [4] - Shredded spicy chicken will be made with fresh chicken, boiled on-site [4] - Oatmeal millet porridge will be freshly cooked on-site with added fresh pumpkin slices [4]

Core Viewpoint - Xibei has issued an official apology and announced adjustments to its food preparation processes to enhance customer experience and transparency, committing to implement these changes by October 1, 2025 [1][5][11]. Summary by Relevant Sections Adjustments to Food Preparation - All dishes using soybean oil will switch to non-GMO soybean oil [1][5]. - Children's meal beef rice will be prepared fresh in-store instead of using pre-made sauces [1][5]. - Children's beef patties will be made fresh on-site [1][5]. - Children's fish sticks will be made from fresh, whole fish, cooked on-site [1][5]. - Lamb skewers will be cut, skewered, and grilled fresh at the store [1][5]. - Pork chop dishes will use fresh pork ribs cooked on-site instead of semi-finished products [1][5]. - The meat in the flaky meat sandwich will be cooked fresh in-store [2][5]. - The shredded spicy chicken will be boiled fresh in-store [3][5]. - Oatmeal with pumpkin puree will be freshly cooked with real pumpkin slices added [4][5]. Customer Engagement and Transparency - The company is actively communicating with suppliers to shorten product shelf life while ensuring food safety and inventory turnover [5][11]. - Xibei encourages customers to provide feedback and suggestions for further improvements [5][11]. - The founder, Jia Guolong, emphasizes a commitment to transparency and customer satisfaction, stating that the company will learn from successful practices in the industry [5][11]. Impact of Public Discourse - The controversy began with a public statement by influencer Luo Yonghao, which led to a decline in customer traffic and revenue at Xibei locations [11]. - The incident has sparked broader discussions about the use of pre-prepared foods in the restaurant industry and the importance of consumer awareness regarding food preparation practices [12][15]. - Regulatory bodies are expected to enhance oversight of pre-prepared foods to ensure consumer rights and safety [17][18].