Core Viewpoint - The public dispute between Luo Yonghao and Jia Guolong has ignited a significant controversy surrounding the concept of "pre-prepared dishes," leading to a crisis for the restaurant chain Xibei [1][2][3] Group 1: Crisis Development - The conflict escalated due to Jia Guolong's firm stance against accusations of using pre-prepared dishes, despite evidence suggesting otherwise, including long shelf-life frozen products [1][4] - Xibei's daily revenue reportedly dropped by 1 million yuan over two consecutive days due to the backlash, marking one of the company's most significant external crises [6][7] Group 2: Public Perception and Market Trends - The definition of pre-prepared dishes varies between industry standards and public perception, leading to confusion and mistrust among consumers [3][7] - The pre-prepared dish market is maturing, with many restaurant chains, including Xibei, relying heavily on pre-prepared items, which has become a common practice in the industry [8][9] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other restaurant brands, such as Laoxiangji, have adopted transparency in their operations by clearly labeling dish preparation methods, which has been positively received by consumers [11][12] - Xibei's pricing strategy has been criticized, as consumers feel they are being charged excessively for pre-prepared dishes, contrasting with competitors like Sally's, which offers more affordable options [13][14] Group 4: Future Outlook - Xibei aims to achieve a revenue target of 100 billion yuan by 2030 and plans to go public between 2026 and 2027, but the current controversy may hinder these ambitions [17][18] - The ongoing disconnect between Xibei's management and consumer expectations regarding food transparency remains a significant challenge for the brand [18]

Core Viewpoint - The controversy surrounding "Xibei pre-made dishes" has gained attention, with allegations of the restaurant using pre-packaged ingredients despite their claims of using freshly processed items from a central kitchen [1][2]. Group 1: Ingredient Sourcing and Processing - Xibei sources ingredients from various regions including Zhejiang, Tianjin, and Anhui, with some packaging lacking Xibei branding, indicating a reliance on multiple suppliers [1][2]. - Suppliers confirm that certain products, such as fried eggplant and chicken soup, are pre-packaged and processed before delivery to Xibei, suggesting a level of pre-preparation that aligns with the definition of pre-made dishes [4][5]. - The pricing of supplied ingredients, such as fried eggplant at 13,000 yuan per ton (approximately 6.5 yuan per jin), reflects the additional processing costs involved [5]. Group 2: Xibei's Response and Operational Model - Xibei has publicly denied the allegations of using pre-made dishes, stating that their central kitchen performs initial processing before ingredients are sent to individual locations for further cooking [8][10]. - The company emphasizes that the central kitchen's role is to prepare raw materials, which are then cooked fresh at the restaurants, countering claims of serving fully pre-made meals [8][10]. - Xibei is currently reviewing its operational practices and definitions related to pre-made dishes, indicating a willingness to clarify its position in response to public scrutiny [10].